Martinez, Solis out to silence partisan Filipino crowd with victories

MANILA, Philippines – Unmindful of fighting before an expected partisan crowd, first-time Manila visitors Raul Martinez and Ulises Solis vowed to put on a good show in their respective title fights at the Araneta Coliseum this Sunday. “I’m coming over here to win, that’s my main objective," said Martinez hours after arriving in the country for his mission to dethrone International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr. Solis, the proud Mexican from Guadalajara whose staking his IBF light- flyweight crown against Brian Viloria, is just as confident. “I prepare myself every time I fight. Viloria wouldn’t have a chance to become a world champion again," he said. Both first-time Manila visitors, Solis and Martinez get to display the stuff they are made of before Filipino fight fans as they battle Viloria and Donaire in a historic dual championship bout presented by Solar Sports and Top Rank Promotions on Sunday. All protagonists in the boxing card will be presented before mediamen at 12 noon Wednesday at the Manila Hotel. The official weigh-in is scheduled on Saturday morning also at the same venue. Proof of just how serious he is in dethroning the 26-year-old Donaire, Martinez hit the road late in the morning shortly upon his arrival. And following a short tete-a-tete with mediamen, proceeded with his light training in the afternoon under the watchful eyes of chief cornerman Fernando Castrejon, an understudy of legendary Mexican trainer Nacho Beristain. Martinez, nicknamed “La Cobrita," is unbeaten in all 24 pro fights, 14 of which by way of knockouts. Despite the perfect record he had, the 27-year-old American of Mexican descent from San Antonio, Texas, remains the underdog in the 12-round title fight. And he understands it. “I don’t have anything to lose. I’m supposed to lose coz everybody said I’m the underdog," said the challenger, managing to let out a big smile. “Everybody’s saying `Nonito’s gonna beat me, Nonito’s gonna knock me down. There’s just no pressure on me. I’m just going in there to do my job and surprise everybody." Both he and Donaire already slugged it out once during the U.S. team trial for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, with the California-based Filipino emerging victorious. But he said fans are out to see a different result this time, although he’s not undermining the talent of the reigning IBF flyweight champion. “He’s a real good fighter, but I’m a real good fighter. He has a good punch, and I have a good punch. If we can take each other’s punches, then I think it’s going to be an interesting fight. But if not, one of us can get knocked out and I’m hoping it’s not me," Martinez added. Solis (28-1, 20 KOs) is defending his 108-pound title belt for the ninth time, three of which came against Filipinos Bert Batawang, Rodel Mayol and Glenn Donaire, brother of Nonito. While he still regards Filipino fighters as among the toughest opponents in the light-flyweight class, the younger brother of one-time Manny Pacquiao opponent Jorge Solis said he still feels he’s got what it takes to win. Although Viloria has lost twice in his bid to reclaim a world title, the 27-year-old Solis still considers the former American Olympian a very formidable challenger. “He’s real fast. Whether he’s on the downswing or on the rise, he’s still dangerous because he’s a good fighter," said Solis. “But I feel I’m in the best shape of my career. I’m at my prime." –GMANews.TV