Former WBC flyweight Cristofer “El Latigo” (The Whip) Rosales (29-4, 20 KOs) of Nicaragua looks to regain his crown versus Julio Cesar Martinez (14-1, 11 KOs) of Mexico on December 20th at the Talking Stick Resort Arena, in Phoenix, Arizona. The bout will be the co-feature to the main event between Daniel Jacobs and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., promoted by Matchroom Boxing and aired on the DAZN.
It was nearly a year ago that Rosales lost this very same title by decision to the local fighter Charlie Edwards. Earlier that same year he went on the road to score a thrilling upset knockout of then-unbeaten power punching Daigo Higa in Japan to win the title.
This will be the U.S. debut for Rosales who is currently training in Miami, Florida, under the watchful eye of his manager William Ramirez/WRAM Boxing and trainer Wilmer Hernandez who is the long-time trainer of Roman “Chocolotito” Gonzales. This is a huge opportunity for Rosales who wants to redeem himself and become a two-time world champion.
How have you adapted to being in and training in the U.S. for the first time?
I am well adjusted. William(Ramirez) has made the transition an easy one for me. The sparring I have been getting is superb. I am eating well and maintaining my weight properly.
Is it hard to be away from home?
There are definitely moments when I miss home but I am making these sacrifices for my family. I keep this in mind during those tough moments and it helps me get through them
How difficult has it been for you since losing the world title?
I worked so hard to win the titles so it was very tough emotionally to lose my belt. It has been nearly a year and I have worked my way back into contention. I am thankful to William (Ramirez) for all his efforts and all he has done for me and also for continuing to believe in me. What is important now is that I focus on the new opportunity that I have. I am determined to win my title back.
What do you know about your opponent Martinez?
He is a very strong fighter. A determined fighter who likes to fight going straight forward.
Do you feel he will fight this way versus you?
I would welcome it if he did but I do not think he will. I faced a very strong and heavy-handed fighter in Daigo Higa in his native Japan and I was able to stop him to win the world title. So I do not think Martinez will fight me that same way.
What kind of fight are you expecting?
I can only speak for myself to be sure. I do have a reach advantage and I plan to use it. There will be moments where there will be exchanges. In those moments I will more than hold my own.
How excited are you to be fighting in the U.S. for the first time?
It is a major opportunity for me. There will be many people seeing me fight for the first time live and on television. It is very important for me to win and win decisively. I feel my team and I have the plan to achieve this.