Unbeaten Martinez next for Dunne

BOXING:After his unexpected appearance in the National Stadium last Saturday the Spaniard Kiko "La Sensación" Martinez was yesterday officially named as Bernard Dunne's next challenger for the super-bantamweight champion.

There were tense negotiations between the two camps over the venue of the match between the undefeated fighters before it was agreed the fight would take place on August 25th in The Point.

In the comparatively tranquil surroundings of the Burlington Hotel, Martinez (21), whose record is 16-0 (13 knock-outs), said, "This is the fight I've wanted for a long time. I might be a little shorter than Bernard bit I'm five-feet-four-inches of a headache for him.

"I have never lost a fight. I had 40 amateur fights and was never beaten and I won 38 of those by knock-out. I could have gone to the Olympics but the Spanish amateur boxing association wanted me to sign a four-year contract and I wanted to turn professional.

"I'm looking forward to fighting in Dublin. I have boxed in front of big crowds before and I like to fight under pressure.

"Bernard is a good champion but I don't think he has boxed anyone like me and I am confident that I can win."

Dunne, though, is the champ and boasts an even more impressive record, 24-0, following his defeat of the Norwegian challenger Reidar Walstad in late June.

"Everyone has been talking about this fight for the past six months or so," said the Dubliner. "Even before my last two fights all people wanted to know was when was I fighting Mr Martinez. Well, it's on now and I cannot wait.

"He was at the John Duddy fight on Saturday night and sampled a little piece of the atmosphere but that was only a taster; wait until he steps into The Point on August 25th.

"Kiko has a big reputation and is supposed to be a bit of a puncher but I'm the champion and he's coming to my town so I'll let him worry about me.

"He's never fought outside Spain and he's never fought anyone in my class so let's see what happens when someone starts hitting him back.

"I'll be looking to let my class and technical ability show but if it turns into a fight then that suits me too because I love to get down in the trenches. Harry (Hawkins, coach) would prefer if I used my boxing ability and kept my distance but sometimes you have to get up close and personal."

Martinez's affairs are being managed by Pat Magee of Belfast and Denis Hobson.

The card at The Point will also feature the first British title bout in Ireland when Belfast's Brian Magee challenges for Tony Oakey's light-heavyweight crown.

"Negotiations haven't been easy but we're delighted to come to an agreement and we're very happy to be working with Brian Peters (Dunne's promoter)," said Magee. "It's also a little bit of history with a British title fight on the card as well."