For many fans and commentators on both sides of the Atlantic Sergio ?Maravilla? (?Wonder?) Martinez is the best pound for pound boxer in the world today. Tired of the ongoing ?will they? Won?t they? We no longer care?? Floyd Mayweather Jr versus Manny Pacquiao saga Martinez emerges as a ray of sunshine in a confused and often frustrating current boxing landscape.
The man from Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina is exactly the kind of no-nonsense, professional who quietly goes about his business ruthlessly and efficiently as he dispatches rivals in an impressive manner. It?s an old clich? but he prefers to let his fists do the talking.
In an almost fourteen year career as a professional he has won the WBC and WBO world middleweight titles, the coveted ?The Ring? and BWAA?s (Boxing Writers Association of America) ?Fighter of the Year Award and ?The Ring?s? ?Knockout of the Year Award.?
Standing five feet ten inches, this acclaimed southpaw boasts a record of 47-2-2 with 26 wins coming inside the distance. Perhaps the most impressive of those inside wins was his two round demolition of Paul Williams. He exudes toughness and calm and is every bit the seasoned, accomplished champion. Little wonder that Lou DiBella promoter of Saturday?s contest with Britain?s ?Dazzling? Darren Barker raves about Martinez.
Martinez has boxed in his native Argentina, enjoyed a successful stint in Spain and has also boxed in England and Northern Ireland as well as more recently in the United States. He knows what it?s like to be the ?away fighter? and the underdog.
