IBF featherweight champion, Kiko Martinez says he will stop Josh Warrington in their rematch in Leeds on Saturday night.
Martinez makes a maiden defence of the title he won with a stunning fourth round knockout over Kid Galahad in November, when he meets Warrington at the First Direct Arena almost five years on from their first meeting in the same venue, which ‘The Leeds Warrior’ won by majority decision.
However, the Spaniard has vowed to gain revenge over his rival and believes he can win the clash inside the distance.
“I think it’s going to be a similar fight [to the first meeting],” Martinez told proboxing-fans.com.
“I’ll be on the front foot, I’ll be attacking and he’ll be kind of running away.
“So, hopefully he’s got a lot of legs in him, because I’ll be on at him.
“I think I stop him. I can’t let this go down to the judges and let them take away my belt or a points decision that takes away my belt.
“So, I believe I’ll knock him out.”
Warrington, who will attempt to become a two-time featherweight champion and win back the belt he made three defences of before vacating, fights for the first time since his rematch with Marucio Lara was declared a technical draw following an accidental head clash in September, seven months after his sole professional loss to the Mexican.
Victory for the 31-year-old could set up a unification showdown with WBA ‘regular’ titlist, Leigh Wood, who scored a dramatic final round stoppage over Michael Conlan earlier this month.
However, Martinez, 36, says he will look to fulfil his dream of unifying with the other champions, providing he is successful with Mark Magsayo [WBC], Emanuel Navarrete [WBO] and Leo Santa Cruz [WBA ‘super] the other belt holders.
“That would be the big dream to go and unify,” Martinez added.
“With whatever world champion exists, for example Navarrete or the other two that exist.
“It would be kind of crowning my glory in that division and it would be a big dream come true for me.”
Watch the full interview with Kiko Martinez below:
