Martirosyan reaches for opportunity
When Top Rank signed Vanes Martirosyan after the 2004 Olympics, he knew the path to fighting for a world championship would be slow and somewhat meandering.
Seven years and 32 fights without a loss later, it's time for the 26-year-old Martirosyan to make his move and finish the journey. He faces the biggest test of his career Saturday when he takes on Erislandy Lara at Wynn Las Vegas in a WBC junior middleweight eliminator bout scheduled for 12 rounds.
The winner is supposed to get a shot at reigning champ Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in the spring. But politics in boxing being what they are, there's no guarantee that either will get a fight against Alvarez, the star of Golden Boy's stable.
"I'm not even focusing on that," Martirosyan said Wednesday at Top Rank Gym. "I'll let my promoter, Bob Arum, handle that. I have to make sure I do my job and beat Lara, which I will. Then we'll see what happens."
Martirosyan (32-0, 20 knockouts) said remaining patient the past few years has not been difficult. He never lost focus on the big picture.
"The good thing was Top Rank kept me busy, and they gave me good fights so I could keep improving," he said. "It's all part of the game. It's like when you're in the ring: You have to be patient in order to land the big punch. You have to be patient to land a big fight.
"But now we're finally here at the next stage, and it's up to me to take advantage of it."
Martirosyan is a confident fighter. He has been working with Freddie Roach after spending time earlier in his career with Ronnie Shields, who currently trains Lara. Martirosyan said he is not worried that Shields might have inside information that will help Lara (17-1-1, 11 KOs).
"I hope he tells (Lara) about me because it won't help him," Martirosyan said. "I'm not the same fighter I was when I worked with Ronnie. I'm stronger. I'm faster. I'm more experienced, and I'm better overall.
"I don't think Ronnie's seen my best. He'll see that Saturday."
Martirosyan said he can handle Lara's speed and style.
"I know the Cuban style from when I fought in the Olympics," he said. "Lara's good, yeah. He's quick. But I'm quicker than him, and we'll show everyone Saturday night."
The fight will be televised by HBO. It's a chance for Martirosyan to make his case.
"Having this fight (on HBO) is big because everyone will see I deserve a shot," he said. "I'm stronger mentally than I've ever been, and I'm so comfortable with everything going on in my life right now. I have a great team supporting me, and I'm training great."
Roach spend much of his time with Martirosyan before Manny Pacquiao's recent arrival to prepare for his Dec. 8 rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden.
"Freddie was there, and he's the best handicapper in the game," Martirosyan said. "I never felt neglected or put to the side. There were no distractions. Freddie and I have a great relationship, and he has a great game plan for Saturday. I've never been as prepared for a fight like I am for this one."
■ NOTES - The 2,500-seat Lafite Ballroom at Wynn is expected to be sold out for the card. Las Vegas' Jesse Magdaleno will fight on the undercard against Jose Silveira (12-8, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout. Magdaleno, who turns 21 Friday, is 11-0 with eight KOs.
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.
