By Victor Salazar

New York, New York- Although it isn’t Miguel Cotto or Felix Trinidad, a Puerto Rican fighter is headlining a card on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. Two-time world champion Roman ‘Rocky’ Martinez defends his WBO super featherweight title against the skillful two-time Olympic gold medal winner Vasyl Lomachenko.

Though he knows his name doesn’t resonate with the likes of Cotto and Trinidad, Martinez still is happy the honor was bestowed on him.

“I used to watch Miguel Cotto and Trinidad fight here,” Martinez told BoxingScene.com. “I think it’s an honor to headline here as a Puerto Rican on the eve of the parade. I think I have to perform like the greats before me.”

Martinez knows the accolades that Lomachenko comes with. But he ultimately feels his experience will be key.

Everyone is still raving about the war that Orlando Salido and Francisco Vargas had last Saturday night. Martinez thought the fight was a war and agreed with the draw.

When he was asked if he was confident because he held a victory over Salido while Lomachenko’s lone pro loss came at the hands of the rugged Mexican, Martinez said, “All the fights are different. I am confident in my preparations. I prepare myself to beat Lomachenko and that’s the plan.”

Many are calling Lomachenko a pound for pound star and are giving Martinez no shot to defeat the Ukrainian. But Martinez feels that Lomachenko can’t hurt him while he feels he can hurt Lomachenko.

“I’m aware of the compliments but I prepared myself to beat what they say about him. I don’t think he has the power but anybody with small gloves can hurt anybody - but I can tell you if I hurt him I’m going to finish him,” Martinez said.