Interview With Raul Martinez

29 year old super flyweight Raul Martinez is no stranger in the ring. Last November of 2010, Raul “La Cobrita” Martinez had an amazing bout against Rodrigo “Gato” Guerrero . It was an all out war which lasted 12 rounds. It eventually moved Martinez to be ranked #1 by the I.B.F. Aside from being a world class fighter, Martinez is always a world class husband and father. I had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with Martinez and see what he’s been up to since November, 2011 goals and who he’s all about outside the ring. There’s an African proverb that goes, “Wherever man goes to dwell his character goes with him,” and Martinez by far lives up to it.

Q. Last fight was with Guerrero in November of 2010, any upcoming fight?

Raul: I’m hoping to get a shot at I.B.F. champion Cristian Mijares (of Mexico) in May.

Q. What do you do when you don’t have a fight on the horizon?

Raul: I’m always training, never taking time off from boxing unless I’m hurt and can’t train. If I’m not in the boxing gym, I’m at Gold’s gym or training on my own in my garage, hitting the bags, doing cardio, anything that can help me maintain my conditioning.

Q. Any goals for 2011?

Raul: My main goal for 2011 is to win the I.B.F world title if I get the shot at it. I need to be a world champion and I feel this is my time to accomplish it.

Q. Most fighters have their signature punch, what punch defines ” La Cobrita”?

Raul: I really don’t have a signature punch because I have knocked out my opponents with different punches. I feel I have power in both hands but I do prefer the left hook to the body or head.

Q. What was your most memorable fight so far in your career, where it was your defining moment and you knew you deserved to be in that “champion” category?

Raul: I always look back at winning the I.B.A. world title as a big accomplishment in my career and a belt to motivate me to do bigger things like winning some major world titles.

Q. Who is your biggest influence in the boxing world?

Raul: I have many, the main one I know personally is Jesus “Matador” Chavez, former 2 time world champion. I met him when I turned pro and we had the same trainer and manager. We became good friends training along each other . He was a great fighter and I found out he was a great person as well. He has given me advice and showed me the hard work it takes to be a world champion. So that is what I keep with me and what pushes me to become a great fighter and champion.

Q. Your opinion, who is the best P4P right now?

Raul: Manny Pacquiao has to be #1, winning world titles in so many different weight classes. That alone shows you he is p4p. He rises to the occasion and keeps winning titles. I think he is a big influence to myself and many fighters to want to become a champion like himself and also help others like he does with his country.

Q. Most fans learn a lot about you as a fighter, outside the ring who is Raul Martinez?

Raul: I’m just a normal guy. I’m married to a beautiful woman and I have two wonderful kids. I couldn’t ask for more. I like to stay humble and prepare myself for fights the best I can to better my family’s future.

Q. Last but not least, how do you stay so grounded? Avoiding the negative spotlight?

Raul: I guess it just comes natural to me. It’s not hard. I just continue to be me and stay focused on my goal of becoming a world champion. I’m not the type of person that looks for trouble. I know I have a family that I have to support and boxing right now is the way to do it. I just hope that all the hard work I have put into boxing all these years will pay off soon.