"He can say whatever he wants. I think Frampton and his team are too confident. I have been traveling all around Europe and I won the continental title three different times. They are going to regret all the things they are saying...I love going to fight abroad. The rival crowds make me feel stronger. This victory would give me the chance to fight for the world title...I'm the best European super bantamweight and in this fight, I want to show everybody that I'm in the world top 5," stated super bantamweight contender Kiko Martinez, who talked about his upcoming February 9 showdown with Carl Frampton. Check it out!
PC: February 9th is quickly approaching. How has training been going for your title defense against Carl Frampton?
KM: Better than ever. I have been training for a month in Oxnard, California with Pablo Sarmiento and sharing training sessions with partners like Javier Fortuna. Then I went back to Madrid to finish the training camp and the sparring sessions. I also have to thank a lot my trainer in Spain, Óscar Sánchez, because he has been like a father for me since I became part of Sergio Martinez's team.
PC: Frampton has put the blame on you as to why this fight hasn't taken place yet. He's been saying a lot of little things about you. Have you been taking mental notes of all the things and plan on making him pay for it on the 9th?
KM: He can say whatever he wants. I think Frampton and his team are too confident. I have been traveling all around Europe and I won the continental title three different times. They are going to regret all the things they are saying.
PC: What do you think of Frampton as a fighter and the things he brings to the table?
KM: I think that he is a good fighter with very good skills, but I think that his career has been too protected. Like I said before, due to the conditions of the boxing in my country, I always have to travel abroad for the big fights and I think that this experience will be the key.
PC: On paper, you guys seem very evenly matched. What do you feel will separate the two of you come fight night and assure you a win?
KM: There will be two keys: my experience and my hard punches.
PC: How does it feel to have a vote of confidence from a world champion and one of the best fighters in the world like Sergio Martinez?
KM: I have known Sergio for a long time. He always has been kind with me and when I had the opportunity to join his team, I didn't hesitate. I'm going to show him that he did not make a mistake by choosing me.
PC: Is it important for you to take his hometown fans out of the fight early and give them nothing to cheer?
KM: Yes, every victory far from home is a very special victory.
PC: This fight has all the makings of a Fight of the Year type of fight. Are you expecting that type of fight or do you think you could avoid that somehow?
KM: This fight will be a war. I'm very happy because this fight will be televised live for Spain and I will try to win from the beginning.
PC: What would it mean for you to not only beat Frampton in his backyard, but to also give him the first defeat of his career?
KM: I love going to fight abroad. The rival crowds make me feel stronger. This victory would give me the chance to fight for the world title.
PC: What kind of statement are you looking to make in this fight Kiko?
KM: I'm the best European super bantamweight and in this fight, I want to show everybody that I'm in the world top 5.
PC: I wish you the best of luck. Is there anything else you want to say before I let you go?
KM: Thank you very much. I hope I reach the victory and fight in front of the American audience as soon as possible. I know that Americans will love my boxing style.