Kiko Martinez (r) tags Hozumi Hasegawa with a left. Photo: Getty Images

Former IBF junior featherweight titleholder Kiko Martinez has praised Scott Quigg’s boxing technique but vows to test his opponent’s fighting heart when the pair clash on July 18 in Manchester, England.

The Spaniard believes he is the toughest fighter Quigg has faced to date and, that while his mechanics might be superior, there is doubt as to whether the Englishman can dig deep in a fierce, 12-round contest.

“Quigg is a very good fighter; technically, he is very close to perfection,” said Martinez in a press release issued by Matchroom Boxing. “But I don’t think he’s a great slugger and he has not fought high level opponents like I have. I think he’ll try to make a long distance fight; he will look to go to the final rounds and not trade blows with me.

“If I win by knockout, it will be better but we have a fight plan for 12 rounds and I will follow it.”

Known as ‘La Sensacion,’ Martinez won the IBF title in Aug. 2013, stopping the unbeaten Jhonatan Romero and defended successfully against Jeffrey Mathebula and Hozumi Hasegawa. He lost the belt to Quigg’s domestic nemesis, Carl Frampton last September but still retains plenty of ambition.

Quigg versus Martinez is part of a huge night in Manchester as Quigg’s stablemate Anthony Crolla challenges Darleys Perez for the Colombian’s WBA lightweight title.

Tickets are on sale priced ┬ú40, ┬ú60, ┬ú80, ┬ú100 and ┬ú150 through www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000. VIP’s are available exclusively through www.matchroomboxing.com priced at ┬ú300.

Information provided courtesy of a press release

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter @Tom_Gray_Boxing