The first time that Puerto Rico’s Roman “Rocky” Martinez – 29-2-2, 17 KOs – and Mexico’s Orlando Salido – 42-13-2, 29 KOs – fought, a thrilling slugfest and fight of the year candidate ensued. Salido lost a competitive decision and his 130-pound title for his troubles. Now it’s time for revenge, on a premier card featuring Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s last fight.
CURRENT ODDS
Our online boxing odds currently have Martinez as a significant favorite in the rematch, with a -220 money line. Salido is nearly a 2-to-1 underdog at +185. The total rounds for this 12-round bout is set at 10.5 rounds, with the over at -180 and the under at +155. Make sure to check back in on fight night for the latest prop bets, such as which round the fight will end and more.
NATIONAL RIVALS
If the rematch is anything like their first go-round, this fight could end up being the most exciting matchup of the night. Let’s be real here, Mayweather really isn’t a crowd-friendly fighter.
“We are ready and working hard to make sure this title remains in Puerto Rico,” Martinez said. “Everyone saw the first fight against Orlando Salido, and I know that this second bout will also be a war. Once again we have the rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico, which guarantees plenty of action.”
The 32-year old Martinez is 5-2-1 in his past six fights, although he should definitely get some credit for facing some tough fighters. His losses came in title fights against Ricky Burns in the U.K. and Mikey Garcia in Texas. After taking a tune-up fight against Herbert Quartey, he traveled to Mexico to beat Salido for the belt.
Salido is expected to be the crowd favorite as plenty of Mexican-Americans are expected to pack Las Vegas for Mexican Independence Day weekend. The loss to Martinez was just his second in his past 10 fights. During that stretch, he beat Juan Manuel Lopez twice, Vasyl Lomachenko and Terdsak Kokietgym.
“I’m excited for the rematch with Rocky Martinez. The first fight in Puerto Rico did not go my way. I got off to a slow start and had to fight two fights: one against the referee and one against Rocky Martinez. One September 12, I am going to take matters into my own hands and look to knock out Rocky and get my world title belt back. Mexico and Puerto Rico have had a great rivalry over the years, and this September you will see me bring the belt home to Mexico, where it belongs.”
FIGHT PREDICTION AND ANALYSIS
It’s tough to see Salido getting his belt back. Although their first fight was competitive, Martinez was undoubtedly the fresher man, and Salido’s epic wars are finally starting to wear down the brawler. Salido is past his prime, while Martinez is still just 32. However, expecting a knockout from Martinez against a gritty fighter like Salido is asking too much. Stick with Martinez to win by unanimous decision.
HOW TO BET
Sign into BookMaker Sportsbook and get all the latest Rocky Martinez vs. Orlando Salido boxing odds, money lines, over/unders and prop bets. The fight takes place Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Live coverage of the undercard starts on SHOWTIME at 8 p.m. ET, with the main card on pay-per-view beginning 9 p.m. ET.
Make sure to check in during fight night and get the latest live betting updates. You can bet on real-time odds during the bout, allowing you to hedge your bets or even make new ones as you watch on live television. And with multiple reliable payout options, collecting your earnings is always quick and easy.
