Nelson Expects a Tough Fight from Martirosyan

1
1352

592It was a big day for Willie Nelson on August 21st. Nelson (23-1, 13 KO) received the news that he will be fighting next month on October 4th against Vanes Martirosyan from the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut in a 10 round bout.

Nelson told Tha Boxing Voice earlier last month that he was ready for a big fight. I believe he got his wish. Martirosyan (34-1, 21 KO), is coming off a dominating victory against Mario Alberto Lozano. All three judges scored the bout 100-89 and Lozano was dropped in the second round.

Willie is known as ‘The Great’ despite being only 27 years of age. Just how excited is Willie Nelson for this opportunity? “I am very excited about the fight,” said Nelson. “Of all the people I wanted to fight before, he is the one.” Nelson added that the fight would also be great for the fans.

The issue with this fight is going to be marketability. Martirosyan’s stock went down after he was heavily outclassed by Demetrius Andrade, despite it being a split decision loss and scoring a knockdown in the opening frame. Furthermore, two fights prior, Martirosyan fought Erislandy Lara to a technical draw after an accidental head butt halted the bout after nine competitive rounds. Is this a do or die situation for Willie Nelson? “It is do or die, but both of us are contenders,” added Nelson.” I have been in the top 10 for the last two years.”

Nelson seemed quite thrilled over the selection of Martirosyan as an opponent. Why is that? Has Nelson studied Martirosyan already? Does “The Great” notice any vulnerabilities he could potentially capitalize on? “Of course,” said Nelson. “That is why he is one of the guys. I see mistakes in all fighters.”

Jack Loew is currently the trainer for Willie Nelson. This is Nelson’s second trainer since the beginning of his professional career, Renard Safo being the other trainer. Has the duo already begun reviewing tapes to prepare for Martirosyan? “We have already watched the tape,” said Nelson. “We have already come up with a game plan.” Nelson added that this camp will be focused on basic training, which includes sparring, and conditioning. Nelson wants to keep his weight down for this bout.

Vanes Martirosyan is an Armenian fighter, but is more of a Mexican style fighter. Martirosyan likes to come forward and is a solid puncher. How can Willie Nelson counter that type of style? “I know he likes to come straight forward,” replied Nelson. “I will box around and move side-to-side, but he is still going to come forward.”

Willie Nelson has the drive to be a world champion someday. “I believe it can come within the next two to three years.” What would be Nelson’s ideal outcome come fight night? Does Nelson have the power to stop Vanes Martirosyan? “I see the fight going 10 rounds,” added a candid Nelson. “Neither of us has been stopped before.” Nelson later added, “On top of that, I would like to get an early knockout and go home.” However, given the heart and chins of these two warriors, I do not see this fight being decided by a KO.

With a victory, could this open up a variety of doors for Willie Nelson down the road? What does he expect to happen if he gets the win? “I hope that doors open up for me,” added Nelson. “Hopefully it will give me a money fight or a title fight.”

If Nelson delivers a convincing win, perhaps that big money fight is much closer than we had initially expected.