Mayweather vs Berto Undercard: Rocky Martinez Eyeing Knockout Win Against Orlando Salido
World Boxing Organization super featherweight champion Roman "Rocky" Martinez aims to have a knockout win against Orlando Salido in the undercard bout for Mayweather vs Berto on Sept. 12, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
The 32-year-old Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) defeated Salido via a unanimous decision in April in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
It was deemed an exciting fight by those who witnessed it, including Bleacher Report's Jonathan Snowden.
"Rocky" was able to put down his older opponent in the 3rd and 5th rounds, per BoxRec. Salido, who lost a point during the 11th round for throwing low blows, also lost the WBO super featherweight title that night at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot.
The championship crown "Rocky" captured from Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs, 1 NC) may not be enough for he clearly wants to end his second fight with the 34-year-old Mexican via a stoppage, Boxing Scene reported.
"I definitely feel I can go ahead and finish off Orlando Salido. Orlando is a very valiant fighter, a very courageous fighter. But if I have the moment, if I have the opportunity, if it is there, then I will certainly oblige and finish off Orlando Salido," Martinez told the reporters during a conference.
Martinez's last opponent, who tasted a knockout from him, was Herbert "Sensational" Quartey (12-12, 9 KOs). "Sensational" was down on the 2nd round of their bout in December in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
On the other hand, Salido came out of three consecutive wins prior to being defeated by Martinez. His last victory was against Thailand's pride, Terdsak Kokietgym in Mexico in September of last year via an 11th round TKO, ESPN reported.
It is understandable why Martinez wants to knock out Salido. "Rocky" definitely wants to cement his win against him and prove his rightful ownership of the WBO title. He already lost the title when he was overpowered by Mikey Garcia two years ago, via an 8th round stoppage in Corpus Christi, Texas.
"This will be a war between two fighters in the classic Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry, and we are fighting for a world title. My body still responds well, and as long as it does, I will keep boxing," Salido said in April, ESPN reported in another article .
Thus, boxing fans could anticipate a very exciting undercard for the Mayweather-Berto clash.
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