Sergio “Maravilla” Martínez does not give up his dream of being world champion again. And in this pursuit of what for many is impossible, this Saturday will face the English Brian Rose in a fight agreed to 10 rounds, which will take place in the Plaza de Toros de Valdemoro, in Madrid and that TNT Sports will broadcast from 18.
At 36 years old and with a record of 32 wins (7 knockout), 6 losses and a draw, Rose (72,800 kg) is, a priori, the most qualified of the three rivals that Maravilla has had since he returned to the ring. Even between 2013 and 2014 he was World Organization super welterweight champion. But more than an opponent, Martínez (73,100) considers him a friend. “On a personal level, everyone the English rivals that I had have been the best that have touched me. In so many years in boxing I have met very cool people, good people, but the English are cracks. Tremendous people. Super correct, polite, gentlemen. And this boy, Rose, too. He’s a great guy. We are in permanent contact, We send each other messages, we greet each other, congratulating, thanking each other. It’s great, “the former super welterweight and middleweight champion recently commented, arriving with a record of 53 wins (29 before the limit) 3 losses and 2 equalities.
Martinez knows his 46 years old and on the way to 47 who will turn next February 21, you have no time to waste. And that a defeat will cancel his illusion of, at least, having a chance for the crown of the world. Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, the president of the World Association, has placed him third in the ranking of the middleweight and promised him that if he wins three consecutive fights, he will give him a chance against the Japanese super champion Ryota murata or the regular champion, the Cuban Erislandy Lara.
In his previous performances against the Spanish José Miguel Fandiño and the Finnish Jussi Koivula, Martinez worked at cruising speed, without demanding himself thoroughly against low-ranking opponents. He should give more to Rose. But it carries nine months without fighting, and that seems too much for his physique at this age. However, Martínez is overflowing with confidence. He wants to be a world champion, not a fond memory of boxing. And he is not willing to let anything or anyone take him out of the way.
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