Fighter’s Corner – Chris Martinez

Chris Martinez, Avenal Police Dept. looks to continue his climb up the Jr Middleweight ladder. On Oct 19, 2013 Martinez will lock horns with Daniel Coca, WSP, CDCR at the Guns & Hoses Boxing Event being held at Rabobank Arena, in Bakersfield, Calif. The UCA sat down with the 6^th rated fighter to ask him some questions about his upcoming fight.

UCA – The last time you fought was May 24, 2013 at the LA Battle of the Badges in a rematch against Brandon Manning, LASD. Has anything changed with you or your training since then?

CM – Yes, for my personal convenience I have a new Coach (Joe Lopez). I am currently training at VQ Fitness in Hanford, CA. As for my style of fighting, I haven’t changed, just constantly trying to improve and pushing my limits.

UCA – With a new trainer do you feel you are a different fighter now?

CM – I am the same fighter, just getting better with experienced coaching. I have been working on the basics and continuing to work hard.

UCA – How often are you training for your fight with Coca?

CM -I try to train at least four days a week.

UCA -Have you thought about your strategy for the fight?  Will you feel him out the first rd. or just go right after him?

CM – I don’t know much about my opponent and I have never seen him fight, but I will be first and last every time.

UCA – Are you prepared to go three hard rounds?

CM – Yes, my coach has been pushing me very hard throughout training, we have a good camp and I am confident in my abilities.

UCA– Your last two fights were against 7th ranked Brandon Manning, LASD.  Those fights were wars. You guys split with one win a piece. Would you like a third fight with him?

CM – Absolutely, I told him after our last match if he wanted a third that I would be willing, it would be the right thing to do since he gave me a second.

UCA – You have gone six hard rounds with Manning; do you feel you know what it takes to beat him?

CM – Yes, every fighter has tendencies and limits.

UCA – Did you learn anything from those fights that you feel will help you in your fight Oct 19th?

CM – Yes, expect the unexpected, I didn’t expect a double leg take down in a boxing match, but anything can happen. I stay ready for all situations and circumstances.

UCA – If you had to pick one fighter whose style most resembles yours who would it be?

CM – Miguel Cotto

UCA – What do you feel is your strongest attribute in the ring?

CM – Footwork and power.

UCA – Who are some of your sparring partners?

CM – Recently I’ve sparred with different fighters at different weights, fighting styles and levels of experience. One fighter in particular who is part of my training camp is DJ Vargas. (5^th ranked Jr. Middleweight, Avenal PD)

UCA – Would you consider fighting your stable-mate, friend and coworker, 5th ranked DJ Vargas if it was for the Jr. Middleweight Title?

CM – DJ is in a different weight class right now and I’m not sure if he was planning on dropping down to 154 so I don’t think it would ever happen.  He’s not dodging me and I’m not dodging him because both of us would fight anybody, anytime and anywhere.

UCA – Do you get nervous before a fight?

CM – Yes, everyone gets nervous.

UCA – How do you calm your nerves?

CM – What works for me to help stay calm, is to stay warm and take deep breaths.

UCA – What will you be thinking about as you walk to the ring?

CM – Time to work and stay busy.

The fans are in for a treat with this one.

Doors open at 5 PM, first bout at 6 PM. Tickets are available now at the Rabobank Arena Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com, or Charge-By-Phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets- Upper Level, $10-$15 Lower Level, $15-$25, Ringside, $25-$35. Rabobank Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave‎. Bakersfield, CA 93301