By Mike Calimbas (Texas MMA Photos)
Middleweight title on the line in SCC 4 Main Event
GALVESTON, TX, July 31, 2013 – Posting an unblemished 3-0 record to date, amateur MMA middleweight Andrew Martinez has not yet tasted the sting of defeat in the cage. With a title on the line in his next fight against Joshua, TX native Chad Box (3-2) in the main event of Superior Combative Championships 4 (SCC 4) this Friday, he doesn’t intend on experiencing his first loss now. In fact and quite the opposite, he fully intends on becoming a champion.
We recently caught up with Andrew Martinez to talk about the upcoming fight at SCC 4 and what it means to him to be part of the main event of the evening.
SCC 4 Pre-Fight Interview – Andrew Martinez (Furia Training Center)
Andrew, tell us a little bit about yourself as a person and as a fighter.
I’m 31 years old. I’m a father and husband and I was born and raised in Galveston, TX. I’m just an everyday person. I love spending time with family and friends, whether it’s taking my daughter Kiana to a movie or watching her do gymnastics or having a date night with the wife. I’m a huge Texans fan! I love get-together and BBQs and having everyone over to watch the games and UFC fight nights.
I had no formal training in martial arts growing up, but I started training in MMA 3 years ago out of Jason Carter’s Furia Training Center in Dickinson, TX with a great group of guys and girls. I work striking with Jason Carter and Eugene “Mean Gene” Hill, jiu-jitsu and wrestling with Coach David Boyer, Mathew McLemore, and Sergio DeLeon, and strength and conditioning with Bobby Bradshaw. I get great sparring in with my teammates Trent Parker, Mike Fielden, RJ Knepp, Crystal Knepp, Jeremy Morris, Eric Cody, Jose Solis, CJ Hancock, and Michael Tomas. I also keep in shape with a knowledgeable personal trainer out of Galveston, Keith “Doc” Hall.
What’s been the most difficult thing about the MMA lifestyle for you thus far?
The most difficult part is the time away from my family.
What about the best thing?
The best thing has been the healthy lifestyle change and the focus and discipline I was lacking before MMA, I really have done a 180.
If you had to use one word to describe yourself as a fighter what would that word be and why?
Relentless. I think I’m the definition of the word when it comes to training and preparing for a fight. Someone called me a gym rat the other day and said they are gonna get me a pillow and blanket cause I’m always there. I had a late start in MMA so in my mind I have to work that much harder to be at the level I need to be, so I’m relentless about it.
So you’re fighting in the main event on August 2nd at SCC 4, taking on Chad Box for the middleweight title. How are you approaching this fight?
To me this is the biggest fight of my life, period. My opponent is a young and tough fighter who I believe is a champion of another organization. I think this will be my toughest fight to date but my drive, passion, and mental toughness give me the best chance of winning. I expect this fight to happen everywhere, I think every aspect of MMA will be utilized, I also think it will be one hell of a fight for the fans.
Any other predictions for this fight?
Yeah I win. To Chad, I hope you’re ready and may the best man win and the first beer is on me.
What’s next for you after this fight? Any plans?
No fights scheduled as of now, but I plan on winning this belt and defending it and just keep on winning. I plan on getting back into the gym, improving, and helping my training partners achieve their goals. I’m looking forward to moving into my new house and relaxing a little too.
Any last words or comments?
I just want to thank everyone who has helped me get here, I’m truly grateful for all the support, Galveston I love you and thanks for molding me into the man I am, G-town Stand up!!!