Former world title challenger Robson ‘Nino’ Conceição 16-1 (8) believe his competitive points loss to WBC super featherweight champion Oscar Valdez 30-0 (23) has steeled him for his fight against Xavier Martinez 17-0 (11) at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma this Saturday night.
Conceição squared off against the undefeated Valdez in Tuscon, Arizona last September, dropping the bout by scores of 110-117 and 112-115 twice after losing a point for hitting behind the head in the ninth.
The 33-year-old Brazilian will be vying for another shot at Valdez when he faces Martinez in a 10-round WBC title eliminator live on ESPN.
“What happened against Valdez was just a small setback,” Conceição said. “What I learned from that fight is that it was a great fight, but the fans know I won the fight. They know I’m the man. I’m very motivated.
“After the fight with Valdez, I walked out of the ring very happy with my performance. I went straight to the gym. I had a very good training camp and now I’m facing a very tough opponent. That makes me even happier. I hope he is ready for a great fight. I’m ready!
“I always overcome all obstacles. Martinez is a very tough fighter. We will be battling for our lives inside the ring. I trained very hard to come out with a big victory. For me, every fight is a world title fight.”
Martinez, 24, of Sacramento in California, has been on a roll of late as he moved up the rankings, claiming the scalps of solid performers John Vincent Moralde, Jessie Cris Rosales and Claudio Marrero in the past three years.
In his most recent outing he scored a wide 10-round points victory over seasoned veteran and former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos.
“I’ve been putting the work in, and I can’t let this opportunity slip by me,” Martinez said.
“I’m not overlooking Conceição. He is a great opponent. He is the main objective right now, but after this, I want a title shot. If it’s not right after, I want to keep active and maybe fight for a title next year.”
Conceicao weighed in 129.6 pounds. Martinez scaled 129.4 pounds.
