Mexico’s Aalan Martinez (14-1-1, 10KOs) is preparing for the biggest opportunity of his career, a 12 round fight against the WBO’s #2 ranked featherweight in the world Orlando Cruz (19-2-1, 9KOs). The bout will take place on Saturday, March 15th and it will be televised live on Telemundo from the Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida.
Martinez will enjoy a solid height and reach advantage over Cruz, but the most exciting aspect of this fight is the possibility for fireworks. This clash should live up to the mantra of styles make fights and these two fighters are capable of producing an action filled affair.
The 2000 Olympian Cruz has been mentioned as a possible opponent for Miguel “Mikey” Garcia and taking this fight with a young lion in Martinez is both admirable and dangerous. Martinez will hope to capitalize off of his opponent’s status and a win could catapult Martinez into the position currently presided over by Cruz.
“This is my chance to really jump start my career in a major way and I’m thankful that my team, my promoter Boxing 360, got me this opportunity. I’m going to make my family proud and I’m going to put myself into a position to better my life,” Martinez said.
This fight will definitely be under the microscope because it has the Mexico-Puerto Rico story-line behind it and that is one of the richest rivalries in all of sports. Martinez wants to prove he’s worthy of this tremendous opportunity.
“As a fighter you’re constantly working towards getting to the next level from a physical and mental standpoint,” Martinez continued. “Basically, you want to transform yourself into a next level fighter from a performance standpoint and once you do that it’s only a matter of opportunity. I know I’m a next level fighter and I’m so excited to get the chance to prove it, some guys have to wait a long time so I’m going to make sure I take full advantage.”
Martinez’s promoter, Mario Yagobi of Boxing 360, is confident that the timing is right for his fighter to make that major push towards world success.
“Some guys develop in ways that are more suitable for the big stage, that’s just the honest truth. Aalan has always been a champion of doing the right things and now is the time for all of his hard work to pay off. This is the best part of my job, getting the chance to see an individual reach the destination of a journey that has been filled with such trials and tribulations. When Aalan pulls off the upset it will be an emotionally overwhelming sight,” Yagobi said.
