Quote Originally Posted by miles View Post
Fightnews now saying Martinez is 'on target'.

Boxing - Martinez on target for Williams

That might well be the case, but he looks a bit flabby in that picture with the punch bag to me. But still a good four weeks away from fight time. A lot of bloaters look like that a good month away from getting in the ring. I am going to assume it won't be a massive problem, but I honestly never expected it from someone like Martinez who always seems like 'Mr reflexes, movement and speed'. You expect it more of the grafters like Hatton and Duran rather than the flashers.


Duran was not a 'grafter', he's one of the most technically skilled fighters in the sport's history. He only gets this rep because of his fights with Leonard, where he looked to brawl because his opponent was quicker and more technically adept from range. Seriously, Hatton was more skilled than he gets credit for, but the term grafter is fair for him. Duran it really isn't, the guy was a technical marvel who doesn't get the cred for it because he liked fights to be rough. You can do both.

Anyway back onto the point, I read today on ESPN that Martinez is now at 169. Considering the fight is scheduled to be at 158 & is 3 weeks away, that is definitely doable without doing the body in. If anything I think there maybe a danger where Williams overtrains or his body is coming in as if he's fighting as a LMW rather than a MW, which could see him in a lot of trouble. As for him being overrated, meh, I think he's one of those guys who get underrated by those who aren't fans & well overrated by those who love him. This whole ducking thing is a pile of shite, if he built himself up a following enough to at least sell out where he's fighting then he might have a point. He's got the style, but he lacks the personality big-time.