Josh Warrington (24-0) vs. Kiko Martinez (36-7-1)
Featherweight
Josh Warrington is looking to defend his WBC international featherweight belt for the fourth consecutive time. In his last fight he successfully stopped Patrick Hyland with a technical knockout in round nine. This Saturday he will be facing a very experienced fighter in Kiko Martinez. The Spaniard has faced notable names such as Carl Frampton and has the clear advantage in experience and rounds spent in the ring.
But still, Warrington is a very promising boxer in the featherweight division. The obvious stain on his record is the lack of stoppage victories. Warrington has only four. Even though he clearly lacks punching power, he definitely has the skills to out box opponents through 12 rounds. Warrington has very fast hands and is a clear definition of a volume puncher. You need to be in shape to face this guy. He’s fights well with range and can make opponents look silly while chasing him. Warrington’s footwork and overall movement are also key factors in his game. He’s young, hungry and fights smart – the right combination for the style that he uses.
The 31-year old Martinez is a whole different story. He most definitely does have knockout power with 26 KO’s to his name. The Spaniard is a former champion but by no means is he on a roll. He won his last fight via points, drew the fight before and suffered a TKO loss in round five two fights ago. Martinez can be a menace if he lands multiple power shots and takes control of the fight by brawling. If opponents decide to engage in close distance rock em’ sock em hitting, Martinez will shine. Best way to beat him is to out box him and that’s exactly what Warrington will do.
Martinez has been stopped multiple times in his career but Warrington unfortunately lacks the power to put the Spaniard away. Warrington might get his chin checked big time if Martinez lands flush but that’s about the only chance Martinez has in terms of getting the W.
The prediction is Warrington via unanimous decision.