Flashy Stan Martyniouk ready to make a splash in 2017

Sub Lead15-Dec-16by John J. Raspanti

By John J. Raspanti

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Stan "The Man" Martyniouk believes he’s a good fighter.

He’s won 16 of 18 professional fights, with one of his losses highly debatable. He’s worked with respected trainers Joe Goosen and Virgil Hunter, trained with superstars Manny Pacquiao and Terence Crawford. but still, Martyniouk’s career remains at a standstill.

Martyniouk, 31, is determined to show boxing people he has what it takes to be a contender.

“They don’t know what to expect when they see me," Martyniouk told this writer on a recent installment of The Ringside Boxing Show. “Some have said I don’t look like a fighter. That I, don’t dress like one.

“What boxing fans will see is a lot of speed, quickness, and sharp punching.”

Make no mistake about it, Martyniouk is a fighter. He won 85 matches as an amateur, captured three international gold medals, and eventually won a bronze medal at the National Golden Gloves in 2007.

Martyniouk turned professional soon after, winning his first 10 fights until being upset by Khadpehi Proctor at Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. in 2010.

Since his loss, Martyniouk has engaged in six bouts, winning five of them.

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Training with WBO junior welterweight champion Crawford last month spiked Martyniouk’s confidence. He’s known Crawford for a number of years, having first met the undefeated fighter in the amateurs.

“Yeah, I told him (Crawford) that I need to catch up,” Martyniouk said.“Sparring with Terence and Pacquiao gave me a lot of confidence. I know I can compete with the top guys. When I go into training camp, I don’t go there as a sparring partner.

“I’m not a punching bag. I’m there to work on some stuff as well.”

Martyniouk has fought twice in 2016, stopping Lionel Jimenez, and winning an easy decision over Gilbert Venegas.

He’ll back in early 2017 against Samuel Amoako.

“I’m in tip-top shape right now," Martyniouk said. “Training camp went great. I’m anxious to get back in there. My last fight was in June. I want to end the year with a dominating performance.”

Martyniouk wants a chance to show the boxing world his talent.

“One more eight-rounder and then we go after the USBA title,” said Martyniouk, ranked number 25 in his weight class. "Hopefully, that opens up some doors. There are a lot of fights in the junior welterweight division. I think I’ll do well.”

Martyniouk knows the time is now.

“I’m thirty-one, but I don’t feel it. I haven’t been in any tough fights. I still feel like I’m twenty-five, just a lot better, wiser and stronger."

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