Chris Martinez, Fresno Police Department “Keys to Victory”

The 911 Fight Night Boxing Event takes place Saturday August 18, 2018 at the Shaun Diamond Plaza in Pomona CA and will be headlined by #1 ranked Dusty Rodriguez, Santa Monica Fire Dept vs the UCA Welterweight Champion Mike Delery Los Angeles Police Dept who will be moving up a weight class in hopes of capturing the vacant UCA Jr Middleweight crown.  Aside from both fighters being extremely talented and having superior boxing skills they have something else in common, they have both been in the ring with the former Interim UCA Jr Middleweight Champion 2nd ranked Chris Martinez, Fresno Police Dept.  Taking into account the styles of Rodriguez and Delery this fight promises to be a memorable slugfest. Who better to ask to break down the fight than the man himself, Chris Martinez. 

Ring Generalship: I think Rodriguez is a solid boxer. He has a strong foundation and knows his way around the ring. Delery is another solid fighter but has less ring experience. I think Rodriguez can control the pace of the fight but Delery will have to bring the pressure in order to pull off the win. Both fighters have displayed good timing and patience in past fights, but no one wants to see that, everyone wants to see them bang it out.  

Mental/Focus: Rodriguez is a strong fighter mentally and physically. Rodriguez works hard to prepare for his fights and is focused while under pressure in the ring. Rodriguez is a patient fighter, which makes him dangerous. Delery also works hard to prepare for his matches. Delery is an athlete who is in great shape. I think Delery is going to have to make Rodriguez respect him by landing something hard in the first round and keeping Rodriguez busy and moving. Delery has to stay focused and not allow Rodriguez to control the pace of the fight. Prior mental preparation is key for both fighters. Who will be the one to work harder to prepare for this fight? Who will have the stamina to constantly bring pressure during the entire fight?  Who will stand firm during the storm and counter with explosiveness? Who’s going to have the heart to push beyond their limitations to bring home the title?

Speed: Delery has decent speed and good footwork. I think Delery is going to have to throw more than Rodriguez and keep moving, while fighting from the outside, throwing different combinations. I believe Delery has the reach and the ability to fight Rodriguez on the outside. Rodriguez has decent speed but more importantly he throws from different angles. I think Rodriguez can play two parts in this fight. Rodriguez can bring the pressure, cut the ring off and smother Delery or he can be patient, time it right and explode on Delery.

Power: You never know a fighter’s power until you stand on the receiving end of a punch. Rodriguez has explosive power that comes out when least expected. Unfortunately, I did not go the distance with Delery to feel his power. Delery put me down with a well-placed punch to the kidney. I felt some of Delery’s other punches, but I didn’t get into a good exchange with him to feel him bring it, so I can’t give a good review on Delery’s power. Rodriguez has a stiff jab and a solid right. His basic punches are solid, which sets up his hooks and upper cuts. I honestly don’t think Delery can fight Rodriguez on the inside.

Footwork: Rodriguez has good footwork and has a solid foundation. You hardly every see him stumble over his own feet or lose balance. This discipline works to his benefit. Rodriguez closes the distance well and is a well balanced fighter. Delery has decent footwork. He has a solid foundation, but I think he is going to have to move and outwork Rodriguez to win this fight. Rodriguez will have to stalk Delery, bring the pressure and make the fight uncomfortable for him.   

Defense: Delery does a good job at keeping his hands up to defend himself. Rodriguez does the same but he also knows how to counter after being touched. Both fighters have great defense, but this can be a boring fight if they decide to both wait.

Toughness: Both guys are tough, respectable fighters. I think this will be a good test for both of them. I think whoever wants it more will be the tougher fighter during the fight.

Cardio: Rodriguez is in great shape. I’ve seen Rodriguez give it his all, during all three rounds. I’ve seen Delery come out throwing a lot of punches during the first two rounds, but he slows down during the third round. I know Delery is not taking Rodriguez lightly, so I’m sure he will be prepared to give it his all.

Prediction: I think Delery is going to have to stay busy, throwing lots of punches and keep Rodriguez thinking. Delery has to be in top shape to fight this way. Rodriguez also has to train hard and stay disciplined. I think Rodriguez will have to cut the ring off, bring pressure, and let his hands go. This is a fight I will be at. Either way it goes, I respect both fighters, they have to expect the unexpected and don’t take each other lightly.  

Venue: Shaun Diamond Plaza, 171 West 2nd Street Pomona California. Doors open at 5pm, Fights start at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door. $25.00 General Admission, $50.00 Ringside.