Sergio “King of Boxing” Martinez
UNBEATEN BARKER DIDN’T FIGHT LIKE UK CAB DRIVER
New York, NY– A fortnight ago, world middleweight (160 lbs) king Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (48-2-2, 27 KOs) was presented with a grueling task in Atlantic City, N.J. against the unheralded Darren Barker (23-1, 14 KOs). Barker, an 8-1 underdog had many spectators on hand that night and boxing scribes alike with overwhelming preconceptions that they were about to witness an act of annihilation at itʼs greatest. A vital and crucial mistake one need not to make within “the theater of the unexpected” is over-gambling. Barker didn’t, instead he executed a well educated jab, along with some exceptional footwork and ring generalship. Barker was occasionally landing good clean right hands which was later confirmed by Sergio’s broken nose.
BOTH MEN FOUGHT WITH SKILL & GUILE
The two combatants would eagerly exchange and damage one another, thus in between rounds was quite a sight. At times, Martinezʼs facial injuries suggested there might be a late-round stoppage due to his untreated broken nose bleeding profusely. The Argentinian would later make the necessary adjustments to take control of the bout with a right hook to the temple in the 11th round and end matters for the game Englishman.
Now the future?
IS MARTINEZ BETTER THAN MANNY OR FLOYD?
Martinez known for his dazzling speed, ruthless power and his relentless heart, gave a performance worth testing among itʼs elite superstars such as Manny Pacquiao and his arch-rival Floyd Mayweather. Sergio brings an additional quality that make him the very best person for the job against Pac or Mayweather and thatʼs prime-talent. Sure, heʼs virtually unknown among the elite and only the hard-nosed junkies have an appreciation for his ability to engage in warfare and wanting to fight the best. Here is Martinezʼs problem, heʼs in what I like to call a “Catchweight 22.” No matter which way he goes, down in weight or stays on top of the middleweights, he simply seemingly cannot grab the big one.
REMEMBER WHAT THE LATE GIL CLANCY SAID DURING OSCAR & IKE?
Sergio is essentially “stuck in mud” as the late Gil Clancy would famously state in the 10th round to Oscar De La Hoya in his controversial win over Ike Quartey. Another issue is he recently vanquished a propose catchweight meeting at 170 lbs with Bernard Hopkins. Itʼs apparent former welterweight prior to becoming champ at 154, this before winning 160 lb. gold, the smallish for a middleweight Martinez is unwilling to meet bigger men at 170 lbs, but will drop down to the lower weight classes. The attitude of these three men all characterize self-belief and obtain the power to give what their fans deserve and thatʼs a damn good match up.
Dominic Verdin