Fight Pick & Preview – Martinez vs. Garcia:
On November 9, Roman Martinez defends his WBO 130-Pound belt against rising star Mikey Garcia. After failing to make weight in his last bout against Juan Manuel Lopez, Garcia wisely decided to come up to 130.
His first test at this weight is a tough one in Roman Martinez, a titleholder who is a veteran of 7 WBO title bouts. A lot of people didn’t think “Rocky” would still be champion at this point, especially following defenses against Juan Carlos Burgos and Diego Magdaleno–both who were favored to beat Martinez.
- Date: Saturday, November 9, 2013
- Site: Corpus Christi, Texas
- Titles: WBO 130-Pound Title: 12 Rounds
Roman Martinez, 27-1-2 (16 KOs), Vega Baja, Puerto Rico
Vs.
Mikey Garcia, 32-0 (27 KOs), Oxnard, California
But in all truth, Martinez was fortunate to hang on to his belts, particularly against Burgos. Many felt the draw he earned should have gone to Burgos. One judges’ card in that fight, 116-112 in favor of Martinez, was an unconscionable appraisal.
Don’t let that detract from the worth of Martinez, however, as he is a capable battler who extracts the most out of his talent. He doesn’t do anything great but he does everything pretty well. He is resourceful, gritty, durable, and steadfast. He’s a very professional fighter, a “together” guy who is a robust test–even for a projected star like Garcia.
Mikey is a fast-rising commodity. He has graduated fairly quickly from the ranks of super-prospect to a potential superstar world champion. His performances against Orlando Salido and Juanma were dominant wins. A win over Martinez might not do that much to further his status, but it definitely positions him for bigger things, while cementing him in his new weight class.
Garcia is only 25, but his experience goes beyond what he has actually experienced as a pro or amateur. He comes from a boxing family through and through. As a little boy, he was amongst the hoopla surrounding the fights with his older brother and current trainer Robert and stablemate Fernando Vargas.
He was around it his whole life, which likely contributes to the coolness he shows in the ring for a fighter so young. Despite being in the big-time for only his last few fights, he shows a steely experience that belies his actual track record.
With 27 knockouts in 32 fights, Garcia can really punch. That isn’t all he can do. He’s well-schooled and has shown he can box, as well. He has a grasp of the finer points and is not negligent on defense.
There are still some things that remain unproven. With Garcia, that mostly revolves around his durability. He has taken his share of good punches, but hasn’t really been tested. Not that Martinez is a big puncher who would even be able bring any deficiencies to light.
Let’s just say it was a little disconcerting to see Garcia in such peril in the face of Orlando Salido’s roughhousing tactics in their January fight. His nose was busted by a butt and he seemed a little too eager to get that bout sent to the cards. If he has a mini-case of Francesco Damiani-itis, that’s something to watch out for in future outings.
Martinez, 30, is a tough out. He may have caught a little break against Burgos and Magdaleno, but then some think he beat Ricky Burns in Scotland in 2010, when he lost a close one to the current WBO lightweight titlist in a good fight. It’s a good fight for Garcia to take as he builds toward taking on tougher opposition. Garcia is taking on a skilled fighter with a lot of experience who is a total pro. Martinez has never been down before and represents a stern test to any 130-pounder.
It’s just that after a series of close escapes, how long can Martinez’ luck really hold up? The guys he has been fighting, while good fighters, are not quite up to the level of Garcia. So, if he’s barely beating those fighters or escaping with draws, what hope does he have to keep his title in this bout? With Garcia the definite A-side of this matchup, he should expect his mojo with the judges to end in Texas.
Rocky Martinez vs. Mikey Garcia Prediction:
Say what you will about Garcia in terms of his status as a future superstar of the sport. Even if you don’t forecast such a grandiose future for Garcia, this is not likely to be the spot where he hits a wall–with all due respect to Martinez. Look for Garcia to use his legs, despite being a little shorter than Martinez. The defending champ is a mauling sort, so Garcia would be well-advised to use movement and his superior hand speed to soften Martinez up, before coming on later.
Look for a moderately competitive fight to start turning in Garcia’s favor before the midway point. After a dominant series of middle rounds, Martinez will have run out of answers. The Puerto Rican belt-holder is a determined and durable fighter, so it may come down to a corner or referee stoppage around the 9th or 10th round.
Prediction: Mikey Garcia wins by 10th-round TKO.
