Junior Middleweight Prospect Steve Hitman Martinez is on the Rise
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
On Thursday, May 15, 2014, rising Bronx junior middleweight prospect Steve ‘Hitman’ Martinez, 14-1, 11 knockouts, will face U.S. Virgin Islands southpaw Antonio Chaves Fernandez, 4-17-2, now hailing from Brockton, Massachusetts, on Dmitriy Salita’s Brooklyn Brawl card at the Millenium Theater. In an exclusive interview before the six rounder, Martinez talked about his hopes for the future in the highly competitive middleweight division. Martinez is trained by Marco Suarez, who also trains Lou DiBella junior welterweight prospect Louis Cruz.
Martinez had a 103-17 amateur record, and was the 2008 National Golden Gloves welterweight champion at 152 pounds open division. Martinez was the New York City Golden Gloves champion in 2007, 2008 and 2009 at 153 pounds open. Martinez is co-promoted by Dmitriy Salita’s Star of David Promotions, and Roy Jones Jr.’s Square Ring Promotions.
Real Combat Media: “How did you wind up fighting Antonio Chaves Fernandez?”
Steve Martinez: Fernandez was a late replacement.”
Real Combat Media: “Steve, how do you feel about fighting a southpaw?”
Steve Martinez: “I have no problem fighting a southpaw. I just go in and execute what we are training for, and we do what we got to do.”
Real Combat Media: “I covered your fight against Rahman Mustafa Yusupov, who you stopped in the sixth and final round at the Millenium Theater last February.”
Steve Martinez: “Yusupov came to fight. He was no slouch. I came prepared. I didn’t underestimate him. I executed, and finished him off with a good ending (at the beginning of the sixth round, after beating and breaking him down completely by the end of the fifth round).”
Real Combat Media: “Howis your training camp coming along?”
Steve Martinez: “Mt training is going good. We’re just toning up, staying fit, and staying in shape for the fight, dealing with little details, and we will be ready to rock.”
Real Combat Media: “Will you continue to fight at 154 pounds?”
Steve Martinez: “Down (a lower weight) is possible in the future. I can definitely make 154 pounds. I fight (now) at 154 pounds.”
Real Combat Media: “Your record now stands at 14-1. Would you like to fight for the New York State Junior Middleweight title?”
Steve Martinez: “Yes. I would like to add that belt to my trophy case.”
Real Combat Media: “Would you like a rematch of the bout you lost by eight round split decision to Denis Douglin in Key West?”
Steve Martinez: “I know I won the fight with Douglin. I would fight him again in a heartbeat. I will fight him again if I have the opportunity. I’d like to have my revenge. If not, you move on. A lot of people saw the fight on ESPN, and thought I won.”
Real Combat Media: Who would you like to fight in an eight to 10 rounder in the future?”
Steve Martinez: “My next fight is good timing. I don’t have the privilege of calling anyone out yet. Who they take, that’s who I’ll get ready for.”
Real Combat Media: “Your son, Steve Martinez Jr., has an interest in boxing.”
Steve Martinez: “My son, Steve Martinez Jr., is seven years old. I take him to the boxing gym every time I train.”
Real Combat Media: “What do you do outside of boxing?”
Steve Martinez: “I am currently go to trade school for (studying) plumbing.”
Real Combat Media: “Where did you get your nickname of ‘Hitman’, which used to belong to Thomas Hearns?”
Steve Martinez: “A friend of mine kept calling me ‘The Hitman’, and we went with the nickname. I looked up to Thomas Hearns, he was a great fighter in the eighties and nineties.”
Real Combat Media: “When would you like to win a world title at 154 pounds?”
Steve Martinez: “Hopefully by the end of the year I’ll be contending, and by next year I’ll be knocking at the door at a world title.”
Real Combat Media: “What about fighting top junior middleweight fighters like Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, and Carlos Medina?”
Steve Martinez: “They are all on my list. Their names have been mentioned. Some new names have been mentioned for me. By the time the end of next year arrives should be ready.”
Real Combat Media: “You punch with great power. How did you acquire it?”
Steve Martinez: “It’s natural. I just do regular strength and conditioning work all week.”
Real Combat Media: “Millenium Theater has a small ring. Does the size of the ring affect the way you fight?”
Steve Martinez: “No. Smaller is really better. A bigger ring requires adjustments. I will still be the same fighter (either way).”
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