Kiko Martinez Looking Forward to Gaining Vengeance Against Josh Warrington
Time and time again, Kiko Martinez (43-10-2, 30 KOs) has proven that you can never count him out. When his career seems to be nearing the end, the grizzled warrior from Valenciana, Spain springs up with a win to let folks know he’s still ticking.
That was the case in his last bout, as he scored a stunning sixth-round TKO over Kid Galahad to capture the IBF featherweight title in November 2021. So stunning was his win over Galahad that Martinez was named 3Kings Boxing’s 2021 Comeback Fighter of the Year. The 36-year-old two-division champ hopes to turn back time once again in his first defense of the belt on March 26 against Josh Warrington (30-1-1, 7 KOs) at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England.
WANTING ANOTHER SHOT AT WARRINGTON
This is a rematch that will take place in Warrington’s hometown. In their previous battle, Warrington, 31, defeated Martinez by majority decision in May 2017. This time around, Martinez is relishing the chance for revenge. When Warrington’s name came up as a possible opponent, the champ didn’t hesitate to take the fight, as he explained during an interview with The Ring.
“I am very happy with this opportunity. It was the fight that my whole team wanted. I won the first fight, even if the judges didn’t see it that way. This time I will leave no doubt and I will win by knockout.”
WHO HAS THE ADVANTAGE?
Some fans and pundits argue that Warrington is still shaking off the physical and mental effects of his knockout loss to Mauricio Lara in February of 2021. The former IBF 126-pound champ didn’t just lose, he was battered and pummeled. Martinez feels that the pressure is on Warrington to show what he has left.
“This Warrington rematch is going to be interesting because at the time of the first fight he was a young up-and-comer and my career seemed to be over. However, he is coming off a knockout loss and I am coming off a world title win. I think the one who has to improve from the first fight is him.”
So, despite having engaged in more fights and being the older fighter, could Martinez be in a better mental space? It will all play out on March 26.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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