By Rey Colon

The former champion of the WBO at 130-pounds, Roman "Rocky" Martinez, thanked the management of undefeated Luis "El Artesano" Cruz, for attempting to get a good purse for both boxers. There are ongoing discussions for the two boxers to face each other on April 16. Martinez is not too concerned with the financial aspect and makes a request for Cruz to immediately sign the contract in order to settle the issue as to which of them will be the next challenger to WBO super featherweight champion Ricky Burns.

"Just sign that contract. Stop being afraid. I appreciate the gesture with the purse but I don't need a ton of money. The fight is being negotiated but until he signs, nothing is done. But I want to get my championship back. I'm fully recovered. I feel like a new man. I do not usually talk about the fighters but what I have in my heart and in my mind, I'll show it in the ring," Martinez said.

If a deal is struck, the fight will be the Showtime televised co-feature to Juan Manuel Lopez-Orlando Salido in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.