PHOTOS: MARTINEZ PUTS AN 'O' TO JUNIOR'S RECORD
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 17 Sep 2012
In one of the most intense battles ever seen in modern times in a middleweight world championship, Argentina's Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez barely survived a vicious last round attack from Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., to defeat the "Son of the Legend" and recapture the WBC belt yesterday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
A fast a accurate Martinez fought extremely well during the first 11 rounds, delivering a boxing lesson the Chavez, but with huge combinations in round 12, Chavez Jr. forced an increasingly tired "Maravilla" hard down to the canvas.
With seconds left, a very hurt Martinez manage to stand up to bravely traded huge bombs with his 11 years younger opponent.
Time was indeed running out as the Argentinian went down again, but the dramatic fall was ruled a slip by experienced referee Tony Weeks.
Official scorecards were: Stanley Christodoulou of South Africa 117-110, Adalaide Byrd of Las Vegas 118-109 and Dave Moretti of Las Vegas 118-109 all in favor of the new WBC middleweight world champion Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez.
The awesome win was the greatest victory for the Argentinian, the 50th his boxing career. Chavez Jr. lost his undefeated record, but for many of his Mexican fans, the defeat was not that disappointing at all
"The junior lost but showed tenacity and a warrior's heart, so did Martinez. It was just a great fight among Latinos, the perfect gift in independence day," said a fan post in Latin American portal Notifight.com, the worlds #1 boxing site in Spanish.
Philboxing's friend, the talented Mexican photographer Pepe Rodriguez of the WBC, was well-positioned at the Thomas & Mack to capture photos of the epic combat. Here Pepe offers Philboxing readers exciting photos of the thrilling action. Gracias Pepe!
Photos by Pepe Rodriguez/WBC
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Taduran defense in limbo
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 26 Nov 2024Nisa Rodriguez to return to ring Dec. 17th on “Holiday Fight Night 3” at Sony Hall in Times Square
Tue, 26 Nov 2024Lopez-Ataev main event leads international spectacular at IBA Champions’ Night Dubai
Tue, 26 Nov 2024WORLD NINEBALL TOUR ANNOUNCES THREE RANKING EVENTS TO CONCLUDE 2024
Tue, 26 Nov 2024HIGHLY COVETED TEAM GB OLYMPIAN PAT BROWN SIGNS WITH MATCHROOM BOXING
Mon, 25 Nov 2024NM Inigo rules Philippine Batang Pinoy Blitz chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 25 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 285: AMIR KHAN ACCEPTS OFFER FOR AN EXHIBITION MATCH WITH MANNY PACQUIAO
By Maloney L. Samaco, Mon, 25 Nov 2024FOGOUM, TOSHIHIKO, KIM, RATTAWUT, RUF, CHUTINAN IN ACTION IN HIGHLAND’S EXCITING “SHOWDOWN” NOV 28 AT SPACEPLUS IN BANGKOK, THAILAND
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Gil Robiego Co Elected New APPBRO President for 2025-2027
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Garma wins, climbs to 8th place
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Davao futsal scores 1st win
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024