Philadelphia, PA—Super flyweight Raul “The Cobra” Martinez, of San Antonio, TX, who did everything as an amateur except make the 2004 United States Olympic Team, goes against amateur standout, hard-hitting Victor Proa, of Monterrey, Mexico, over 10 rounds Friday evening, Nov. 14, at the New Alhambra, Swanson & Ritner Streets. First fight is 7.15 p.m.
Telefutura/Univision will telecast the fight on its popular Solo Boxeo series, beginning at 8 p.m (EST).
Martinez, 25, is ranked among the Top 10 super flyweights in the world by every alphabet group on the planet. He is 23-0, 13 K0s.
“In the amateurs, Raul made a believer out of everybody,” said manager Lou Mesorana. “Out of the whole American team that was preparing to go to the (2004) Olympics, he was, without a doubt, one of the best pro prospects.”
Unfortunately, Martinez lost two hairline decisions in three bouts at the US Olympic Trials and that cost him a spot on the team.
“My dad, Ramiro, used to box in his day,” said Martinez, “but his main sport was soccer—he played for the Monterrey Rayodos, a professional team. He boxed as a professional, but he didn’t have too many fights, close to 10.
“Ever since I was about 5 years old, my dad always had a punching bag hanging outside in the yard. I remember as a kid I would put on the gloves and just hit it, saying, ‘I’m going to be a boxer one day.’ But I was always into other sports until I was 15. My first sport was baseball, and then I played soccer. Then I played basketball, football. I played golf in high school. I was on the swim team.
“When I was 15, I told my dad I wanted to become a boxer. My dad didn’t believe me because I would always say it. He would say, ‘Go outside and hit the bag.’ I would do it every day and he started to realize that maybe I would stick to it for a little while. So he started training me, teaching me my jab and the basic punches. After six months, he took me to a gym and my career went on from there.”
After a 70-20-1 amateur career, which included two US National Titles at 112 pounds, Martinez turned pro in 2004 and he has kept the winning tradition.
In his last fight July 25 in Friant, CA, Martinez earned a unanimous 12-round decision over former World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight champion Isidro Garcia, of Los Angeles, CA.
“The main change I made as a pro is sitting down on my punches,” Martinez said. “I remember when I first came to (trainer) Fernando Castrejon. He would put me to spar with these guys. They were pros—they were more patient, picking their shots. I was just throwing so many punches on these guys, moving around on them, they can’t touch me. But by the fifth or sixth round, I’m tired and then they start hitting me.”
“So he (Castrejon) started working on me sitting down on my punches and my power and being more patient. So I mixed my speed with my power and that’s where I improved. I’ve gotten a lot more experience now after four years as a pro, going 10 rounds, 12 rounds. It’s pretty much changed my whole style—more patience, more power.”
Martinez will need his entire arsenal against Proa, who is 26-0-2, 19 K0s.
Proa, 23, has been a pro less than three years.
In his last fight Sept. 25 in Monterrey, Mexico, Proa scored a 10-round decision over Arturo Estrada, of Tampico, Mexico. Proa had K0d Estrada in seven rounds seven months earlier.
“Victor (Proa) was born in Monterrey,” said manager Fernando Dominguez. “He comes from a poor family. He worked hard to support his family. He used to wash windows and things like that. His father passed away about a year ago. He had maybe 100 amateur fights
“Proa’s style is real aggressive. He’s got a lot of power and he’s smart. He’s been training for almost four months, including the second fight with Estrada.
“I’ve been working with Victor for almost three years. He trains in Monterrey at the Los Panchos Gym. They got a lot of boxers in the gym, good fighters, and he gets a lot of good sparring. I think it’s going to be a good fight. Victor is in great shape. He’s ready.”
The winner figures to be in line for a shot at a world title in 2009.
Seven additional fights complete the card, which is being promoted by Top Rank, Inc., Peltz Boxing and Joe Hand Promotions.
Tickets priced at $65, $55, $40 are on sale at Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com
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