Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (51-2-2, 28 KOs) scored a twelve round unanimous decision over previously undefeated WBA interim champion Martin Murray (25-1-1, 11 KOs) on Saturday night in front of an estimated 50,000 fans at the Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The decision likely went the way of Martinez because judges didn’t see enough in the opening rounds from the defensive-minded Englishman.
Martinez explored for openings in the first three rounds, dropping his hands and dancing and daring Murray to break out of his conservative, defensive stance. Murray stayed covered up, but caught Martinez with a powerful right hand late in the third round.
Murray began to go on the offensive in the fourth round but stayed covered up, making it difficult for Martinez to land a punch squarely. In the sixth he pinned Martinez up against the ropes and seemed to taunt the champion before the partisan fans.
Caught by a right hand early in the seventh, Martinez began to change his strategy – dancing less and boxing more.
Murray knocked down Martinez midway through the eighth with a left-right combination, which silenced the home fans and kept the Englishman on the attack.
Nevertheless, Sergio continue to his was for the victory.