Middleweight Steve Martinez RCM Interview: On The Road To Contender
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
Nicknamed ‘That Dude’, Bronx middleweight prospect Steve Martinez has a 15-1 record with 12 knockouts. Martinez recently stopped durable opponent Antonio Chaves Fernandez in the fifth round at Millenium Theater in Bright Beach Brooklyn, New York. In a Real Combat Media exclusive, Martinez talked about his recent victory, and plans for the future.
Real Combat Media: “Real Combat Media covered your recent victory over Antonio Chaves Fernandez, an opponent who attempted to mirror your style, but whom you eventually broke down.”
Steve Martinez: “He was durable. After the first round, he was switching off southpaw. I saw him do it on videos, but it is easier to see it (when he is) in front of you.”
Real Combat Media: “Did Fernandez frustrate you for a while?”
Steve Martinez: “When I hurt him in the first round but did not have enough time to stop him, I kept my cool.”
Real Combat Media: “Your last three bouts were six rounders. Are you ready to fight an eight rounder now?”
Steve Martinez: “Definitely. No more six rounders. If I want to be a contender, I need to fight bouts of eight rounds and up now.”
Real Combat Media: “Where did you get the nickname ‘That Dude’? It’s different.”
Steve Martinez: “It’s pretty cool. My older brother came up with the nickname from straight talking. He was explaining ‘you’ve got to perform on the level you perform, and not perform on the level of your opponent. They gotta point to me and say, that dude is the guy who beat me or knocked me out.’ Dude stands for dominating, unrelenting, determination, and excitement.”
Real Combat Media: “How did you become such an exciting fighter?”
Steve Martinez: “I am an exciting fighter because I have been blessed with all the tools to take everything into the ring. Boxing, speed, heart, and power. I have been blessed with all of the attributes to become a perfect boxer.”
Real Combat Media: “Will you become a world champion at 160 pounds middleweight?”
Steve Martinez: “I want to be the undisputed world champion. I feel there shouldn’t be so many belts and so many champions.”
Real Combat Media: “What is your timeline for a world title shot?”
Steve Martinez: “As of right now, I have faith in what my manager Dannyis doing. I want to shoot for a year and a half, no more than two years. I want to do whatever it takes of reaching my goal to fight for the world title.”
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