After handing over the last world title belt he won in Leeds to Josh Warrington almost three months ago, there has never been a more honorable loser out of the ring than Kiko Martinez. The boxing world continues to recognize him as a champion, and they did not stop giving awards to the boxer, the last of which was the best male athlete in Elche.
Neither blows nor world titles changed a rival who was as ethical as intimacy while training in his job and leaving the ring. He does not shy away from any interview and does not remain silent in the answers. Now at the age of 36, he seeks revenge and honor. It’s revenge for reclaiming the title he shouldn’t have lost, and the honor to say goodbye to all that is great in a land that didn’t see him born but made him the man, husband, father and athlete he is today.
Let’s start with the closest thing, the award for the best athlete in Elche. I imagine it’s a comforting acquaintance…
It’s unbelievable that a 36-year-old man is still number one on Elche as an athlete. It is making me so excited.
How do you see the rest of your career?
My idea is to have two more fights. I want to be world champion again and then have one last fight in Elche. Time will tell what I should do. I am currently training and taking care of myself because I am focused on becoming a world champion again.
To be world champion again, you have to fight back in England with what that entails.
I have to go out. To England, United States or Japan. I have to repeat what I’ve done throughout my career: to show that I beat them at home and it doesn’t matter where they take me. I always did, and I’m sure it won’t change in my old age (laughs).
Do you have a problem with having a better background if boxing was promoted more in Spain?
Ever since I was little I wanted to fight for all of Spain, then all of Europe and finally the world. I’m used to doing it. I never thought of an easy way, I always knew it would be hard. I’m used to fighting with blood and pain on my face. I did not expect anything else in my life. I don’t want to win trophies at home because that would be against my nature.
Almost three months have passed since the war against Warrington. Has the passing of time calmed down those bad feelings of the moment?
Like everything else in life, you get used to the pain. In the end I have to forgive people because if I’m not the only one who didn’t survive in the end.
A doubt. Do you feel like the people’s champion after seeing the general reaction of the boxing world to your fight with Warrington?
People keep reminding me that I am a champion. It was difficult for me to accept this. You have no idea how bad I am psychologically. That’s why I will be world champion again before I leave this beautiful sport.
Do you have something on your mind when it comes to the final moment to put on the gloves? Become a coach? Do you run your own gym?
The main idea right now is to become world champion. This is my goal and time will tell what will happen next. Now I help and train other boxers and when I retire I don’t know if I will continue to do so because I will need time to forget that I am no longer a competitor. I don’t want to be the typical coach who never forgets that he’s already retired. I don’t want to be that person who always has “I did” on their mouth. So you still haven’t assimilated your retirement. Not everyone can be like me, there will be better and worse, but I need to know this.
Do you see relief? Does Kiko Martínez have any heirs?
There are very good people in Spanish boxing. European Union champion Juanfe Gómez at Elche. I have my nephew, Sergio Martínez, who is part of the Spanish team. Time will put each one in its place. I understand it’s a relief if they endure battle with their blood-filled eyes and broken ribs.
Finishing and closing the circle based on the first question and the reward you get. What does Elche and Torrellano mean when you represent them around the world?
Anyone who knows me knows. For example, now I’m buying and investing some things to get help tomorrow and I’m not doing it outside of Elche or Torrellano. I am investing in my home. When I go out to fight, I come from Torrellano and Elche. I was not born here, but I have been here since I was six months old, my childhood was spent here, my wife and daughter are from here. I am from here and carry my colors and flag with great pride.