HE may not be considered a veteran inside the ring but Mexican Angel “Arcanghel” Martinez is confident of beating Filipino Jimrex “The Executioner” Jaca when they meet on Aug. 18 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Martinez and Jaca will open the explosive triple-header of Pinoy Pride XV: Philippines vs. Mexico The Rematch.
“I have power in both hands to take care of Jaca and knock him out. I am a natural 140 lbs. fighter and as you know Jaca’s KO wins come from the lower weight class,” said Martinez who sports a record of 13 wins two losses with nine knockouts against the grizzled Jaca who totes a 39-6-3,19KOs card.
“I have heard about the Filipino warmth and hospitality. I am excited to show boxing fans there how I love the sport of boxing and how I love to go for the KO. I can’t wait to show what I got,”Martinez, who got into boxing because his father Gabriel wanted him to, said.
The Mexican who has stopped nine of his 16 opponents is a potential threat to Jaca as the Filipino has had past troubles taking on punchers and has been knocked out four times in his career. Age and ringrust will also be an advantage for Martinez since Jaca has not fought for more than a year now.
“We have studied Jaca’s fights and we have devised something to come up with the victory. Jaca is not a power puncher and all his KO wins come from his past fights when he fought in the lower weight-class. I am confident for a win and am looking forward to fight night,” Martinez said.
The Mexican fought and lost to Argentinian champion Lucas Martin Matthysse for the WBA Intercontinental lightwelterweight title earlier this year while Jaca’s last outing was last August 2011 against Philip Demecillo in Mandaue City where he won via a third round stoppage.