Martinez out to destroy ALA Gym's 'King Arthur'

CEBU, Philippines - Mexican slugger Edgar ‘Chololo’ Martinez (16-7, 10KOs) has likened his punching power to a strong earthquake that will rock the undefeated ALA Gym stalwart ‘King Arthur’ Villanueva (23-0, 13KOs) when they collide in a 12-round match for the vacant WBO International super flyweight title come the ‘Pinoy Pride XXII: The Revenge’ fightcard this Saturday night at the Waterfront-Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Martinez exudes much confidence as he vows to hand Villanueva his first defeat via knockout.

“I am coming to him like a strong earthquake and he will feel my power,” said Martinez in a press conference yesterday at Formo Restaurant in Banilad Town Centre. “He should be ready because my fist is the last thing he’ll see before he will be knocked out.”

Even if he is just a last-minute replacement as opponent for Villanueva who was initially set to take on Jose ‘Matador’ Cabrera, Martinez is upbeat on his chances not only because of his rigid preparations but also because of his firm belief that he skillful enough to vanquish Villanueva.

“I know he (Villanueva) is a strong boxer because I saw tapes of his fight but I came here to the Philippines with only one option and that is to win and bring the title to Mexico,” Martinez boldly declared.

Martinez had a chance to show his stuff on Phl soil against Marlon Tapales early this year but the bout didn't push through.

“I always make sure that I train hard even if I have no scheduled fight. In that fight with Tapales, I think they backed out because they know that I am going to beat their guy,” said Martinez.

Although he has seven losses, Martinez is still considered by some pundits as a dangerous foe for Villanueva having fought formidable rivals in the past such as former interim WBA flyweight champ Sammy Gutierrez and Ivan Morales, the younger brother of Mexican ring legend Erik “El Terible” Morales.

Interestingly, Martinez won five of his last fights by way of knockout, the most recent was via third round stoppage of  Victor Rodriguez last October 5 at the Nuevo Casas Grandes in Chihuahua, Mexico.

The Villanueva-Martinez duel is the supporting main event of the WBO International super bantamweight title match between the unbeaten defending champion Genesis ‘Azukal’ Servania (22-0, 8KOs) and the Panamian veteran Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion (18-6, 8KOs).

For Servania, revenge is the name of the game against Concepcion, who is best remembered for dashing the world title hopes of the then undefeated AJ “Bazooka” Banal five years ago at the Cebu Coliseum.

In that unevenful night for Cebuano fans, Concepcion knocked the lights off Banal, Servania's friend and stablemate, in the 10th round to snatch the interim WBA super flyweight belt before a stunned crowd.

Meanwhile, tickets for the Pinoy Pride XXII show are available at SM Cebu Cinema, SM Consolacion Cinema, Robinsons Department Store Costumer Service, ALA Gym BTC, ALA Gym Mandaue, ALA Gym Minglanilla, ALA Gym Banawa and Bisaya Ispisyal-Ayala.

For ticket reservations, one may call 505-9513 /0923-1072890/0915-8690905 or visit www.alaboxing.com for more information. (FREEMAN)