Fighters Corner – Chris Martinez, Fresno Police Dept.

On August 15, 2015 the UCA Jr Middleweight Interim Champion Chris Martinez, Fresno Police Dept will square off will Steven Lee, Sedgwick Sheriff’s Dept. in the Louisiana Battle of the Badges. The UCA caught up with the Champion to ask him a few questions about his upcoming fight with Lee.

UCA – What gym do you train at and who is your coach?

CM – I’ve been training with Coach Jr Palafox at the Palafox boxing gym in Lemoore, Ca.

UCA – Who are some of the people you are sparring or training with to prepare for the fight?

CM – My current sparring and training partners include Top Rank fighter Daniel Valdivia, Pro fighter Irvin Garcia, Mario Martinez, Arturo Cervantes, and 9 ranked Devon Dejoie, NAVY.

UCA – Has your training and preparation for this fight been any different from your previous fights?

CM – Not really.

UCA – Are you doing any crazy or unique workouts to prepare for the fight?

CM – Nothing I haven’t done in the past.

UCA – Once you found out you were fighting Lee did you watch his fight against Zachary Farris, CHP?

CM – I saw his fight a couple of times. But I’m more focused on what I need to do for this fight. Styles make fights and I don’t fight like his last opponent.

UCA – With your style and Lee’s style this fight can only go one way and that is straight ahead full speed, nonstop fireworks from start to finish. How do you see the fight going?

CM – I think this fight is going to be tough. Lee has heart and so do I, so we will see who wants it more when we step in the ring.

UCA – Are you feeling added pressure or stress about traveling to Louisiana to fight?

CM – It’s exciting and a honor to go and fight somewhere I’ve never been. I just see it as another Journey in my fight experience.

UCA – Neither one of you are from Louisiana, Lee is from Kansas and you are from California. Do you feel the scoring will be fair?

CM – This is something I’ve been anticipating and I hope the judges play fair. In the ring you have to win the judges, win the crowd and hold your ground. I plan to do all three

UCA – What made you want to take this fight?

CM – It’s a great opportunity to travel and do something I love, while at the same time benefit a great cause.

UCA – How has the process been preparing for this fight with work, family and training fitting into your schedule?

CM – It’s been tough finding time to train. In our line of work you have to make time when it’s available and find a good balance between all things. Overall, it’s gotta be God, family then boxing, in that order.

UCA – Are you working on anything specific for Lee?

CM – I just know that he’s a southpaw, that’s probably the only thing I keyed up on. But I’ve sparred with DJ Vargas, who’s a fast and talented southpaw.

UCA – If you feel the fight is close going into the 3rd round will you come out hard looking to push the pace and land something hard to win the round?

CM – Absolutely, hopefully it doesn’t get to that point.

UCA – Do you feel the Louisiana humidity and heat will have an effect on your performance Saturday night?

CM – I’m not sure. Fresno and Hanford are hot and humid, plus I train without AC to make my workouts tougher.

UCA – You leave for Louisiana on Thursday and fight on Saturday. Will you try to get in a light workout before the fight to get acclimated to the humidity and heat or will you just rest?

CM – Nothing extreme. Light jog, shadow boxing but that’s about it.

UCA – Have you envisioned in your mind how the fight ends? How?

CM – I picture myself finishing the fight just as strong as the 1st and 2nd round. Then the referee will raise my hand and I’ll be victorious.