WBO world super-featherweight champion Roman Martinez and challenger Orlando Salido insist they are perfectly prepared for their rematch on the Mayweather-Berto undercard next weekend [September 12].
Martinez dropped Salido twice en route to a points victory in their exciting clash in April, winning the title in the process.
Speaking ahead of the return, Puerto Rico’s Martinez anticipates another violent affair.
“I’m preparing for a big fight on September 12,” he said.
“Everyone saw that the first fight against Salido was a true war. This time around, I’m planning to give my fans the same type of fight. I predict a non-stop action slugfest.”
“My training has been excellent. To be able to come out and put on a show on a card like this, I want to not only look good, but I want to look spectacular.
“The difference is that I’m going to use my intelligence more. I know Orlando is a terrific fighter and is going to leave it all inside the ring, but I’m going to use my brains more in this fight compared to the last.”
Having come close to stopping Salido last time out, Martinez is confident he can go one better and produce an early night.
“I do have a lot of confidence understanding that I could hurt Orlando Salido, but in this fight it’s all about starting faster and stronger and really going ahead and putting the pressure on Orlando Salido early,” he noted.
“I definitely feel I can go ahead and finish off Orlando Salido. Orlando is a very valiant fighter and very courageous, but if I have the moment and I have the opportunity, if it is there then I will certainly oblige and finish off Orlando Salido.”
Mexico’s Salido claims there are no adverse effects from their first contest and maintains he will give a better showing.
“I understand that we went toe-to-toe in our last match, but honestly, mentally I feel fantastic,” he said.
“What I’m looking at in this fight is not to leave anything behind. To give it my all and he understands that Roman Martinez is a great fighter, but I want to go out and recoup the title for all of Mexico on September 12.
“The first fight was in Roman’s backyard out in Puerto Rico. I did not fight well, but I craved an opportunity to regain my title and I will do so for all of Mexico.
“Roman hit me with great shots, but the second knock down he hit me with an amazing shot. In the first fight I lost the fight mentally and in this fight everything is different mentally, spiritually. I just feel so much better and I thought that in the first fight that everyone was for Roman. This time everything is different and I think that the results will be different as well.”