Sergio Martinez Puts On Promoters Hat with Jon Fernandez June 9th
*VERONA, N.Y. *(June 7, 2017) – Former unified world champion and current
boxing promoter and mentor Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, along with his
protégé Jon “JonFer” Fernandez, an undefeated prospect at 130 pounds,
discuss future plans ahead of Fernandez’s second appearance on *ShoBox: The
New Generation* this Friday, June 9, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT,
delayed on West Coast) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
Martinez, known for his extensive career and impact inside the ring and now
at the helm of Maravillabox Promotions, has worked with Fernandez since his
pro debut at only 19 years old. Fernandez (12-0, 10 KOs), who is
co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and MaravillaBox Promotions, has
remained undefeated and undeterred, climbing up the prospect ranks with
five fights in 2015, another five in 2016 and now getting ready for his
third fight this year.
In addition to June 9’s *ShoBox* being Fernandez’s third fight this year,
it will also be his third time fighting on American soil as he opens the
SHOWTIME telecast facing tough opposition in Juan Reyes (14-3-3, 2 KOs) for
what could be an important fight in his development as he tries to turn
from prospect to contender.
The card, which takes place during the 2017 Hall of Fame Weekend where
longtime*ShoBox *analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood will be inducted
into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, features undefeated super
lightweights Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (19-0, 16 KOs) and Joel Diaz Jr.
(23-0, 19 KOs) in the 10-round main event. The co-feature will pit Steve
Rolls (15-0, 9 KOs) against Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 KOs) in an
eight-round super middleweight bout.
Tickets for the event, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA
Record Breakers, are priced at $65 for ringside, $50, $40 and $30 (may be
subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box
Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors will
open at 7:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for7:30 p.m.
This week Martinez and his protégé, “JonFer,” spoke to SHOWTIME Sports
about what the future might hold for the 130-pound prospect.
*SERGIO “MARAVILLA” MARTINEZ:*
*How would you describe Jon Fernandez’s style?*
“I believe that JonFer is a very well-rounded, complete fighter. He can
take advantage of his great wingspan and reach but has no problem fighting
in close distance. Furthermore, he’s hitting really hard. I believe we’ll
see him fighting with big names in the division soon.
“JonFer has a classic boxing style-a classic, orthodox style. He’s
effective when he’s attacking as well as defending. He poses a vision and a
combat insight that is truly amazing. Not only does he have speed and
precision, but he also has potential in his fists. But, the best
characteristic that JonFer possesses is his great professionalism in the
sport and in his personal life.”
*What would you say is different in Jon compared to other boxers in the
division?*
“His head, he is very mature for his age. In that sense, he reminds me of
myself. He is very serious when he’s working and always looking to improve.
“He has a stupendous perception of the errors his rivals make. He knows how
to read the battle and knows when and how to define a fight. I believe that
the more fights and time go by, JonFer will establish himself at the top
level alongside the top boxers in the world.”
*As Jon develops, what plans do you have for him?*
“To continue with the hard work like we have to this date. I respect every
step in his career. I’d like for JonFer to continue training and preparing
himself for what can be a bright and stupendous future.”
*Who do you want him to fight – Jesus Cuellar, Orlando Salido, Gervonta
Davis, Jose Pedraza, Carl Frampton?*
“All of the names mentioned are already great champions. They are all owed
their due respect and it would be an honor, not only for Jonfer but for
Maravilabox to have the possibility of making fight with any of them.
“Jose Pedraza would be a great test. We’d really like to make that fight
happen. JonFer has sparred with Frampton before his rematch with Santa Cruz
and we know he was up to the challenge. And of course, we would love to go
for the world title against Gervonta Davis and think it would be a great
fight. A clash of styles.”
*What belts do you want him to go for first?*
“First, we’d like him to set a good base. The best for us is to continue
building his career step by step and for him to continue learning and
adapting himself bit by bit to the top level. As we continue making fights
happen, there will be more opportunities for international and world
titles. The goal is to get JonFer to become a WBC champion, the most
important entity.
“We would be really excited to be able to win the European championship,
but we’re ready to fight anyone. All of the belts are important and provide
experience.”
*What would you see as the ideal next step for JonFer in the next few
years?*
“Ideally we want to keep him at a weight in which he feels the most
comfortable. As fights and time go by, if he needs to go up in weight, he’d
do so without a problem. It’s possible for him to end up fighting in
superior divisions, but for now we are focused on 130 and I think he can
still battle at this weight for several years.”
*Can you name who you think are the top five active boxers today?*
“I really like Errol Spence Jr., he has a great style that I feel is like
mine was. Canelo [Alvarez] and [Gennady] Golovkin are two of my favorites
as well, they’ll put on a great fight. Andre Ward, Jorge Linares… There
is a lot of talent in the sport at the moment.
*What memories of Steve Farhood and Barry Tompkins stand out to you?*
“Yes, of course, I have some great moments of my years in the United States
and I remember Steve always in front of the SHOWTIME cameras. He is a great
professional.
“He is one of the highest-regarded boxing writers in the world. He is a man
with a young mentality who knows how to appreciate good boxing.
“Barry Tompkins is a prestigious commentator and what I remember the most
about him is seeing him commentate on fights in the era of Tyson and J.C.
Chavez. To be a commentator of that stature then, he had to be an excellent
professional.”
*What would you say is the best (and worst) part about being a promoter?*
“To be a promoter is thrilling. I believe that taking the career of the
boxers in your hands must be treated like it’s your own life. It’s a true
adventure. I can’t find a negative thing to say about being a promoter.”
*Do you miss being a boxer?*
“To this day I can say that I do not have any desire to return to the ring.
My last fights were torturous and I still have problems with my knee to the
date as I try to go about my daily life. I continue to train an hour each
day and continue to love boxing, but now I prefer watching the youngsters
like Jon and help them with my experience.”
*JON “JONFER” FERNANDEZ:*
*Can you tell us what it is like for you to work with someone like Sergio
Martinez?*
“It’s great, Sergio is always very attentive and a mirror to watch yourself
in. Like an athlete, he was one of the greats, but as a person he is even
better. Maravillabox Promotions is composed of thorough professionals and
the way they treat me is excellent.”
*How is your training going? Is your camp any different for this fight?*
“I haven’t had too much time since my last fight, just about five weeks. It
has been tough, but we were coming off of a much more difficult preparation
in fighting for Spain’s world title. I think this will make for a great
fight and the fans will have a lot of fun.”
*What are your plans for the future? In your career, life, boxing, in the
next five years…*
“I just got married in April and it was a great experience, the happiest
day of my life. I would love to have kids soon. As far as boxing goes, of
course I’d like to be a world champion. But first I’d like to go for the
European title. I’d like to fight against the best prospects in the
division and continuing to make great fights. I will be a world champion
one day, I know I can get there.”
*Who would you say is your all-time favorite boxer?*
“I can’t just say one, I have several. Sergio Martinez, obviously. I also
really like Terrance Crawford and Juan Manuel Marquez. Out of the boxing
legends, I’ll stick to Alexis Arguello.”
# # #
Tompkins will call the *ShoBox* action from ringside with Farhood and
former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The
executive producer is Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips
directing.
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports
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