Martinez not without problems passed the medalist of the Kharkov European Championship

Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona, USA. In the co-main bout of the evening, the WBC flyweight champion (up to 50.8 kg) Mexican Julio Cesar Martinez (19-2, 14 KOs) inflicted his debut defeat on Spaniard Samuel Carmone (8-1, 4 KOs) – winner of the European Amateur Championship , which was held in Kharkov in 2017.

The challenger started the fight well, but at the end of the starting three-minute period he lost the advantage – Martinez countered well several times. He has a tangible superiority in firepower.

Both changed racks from time to time. Martinez tried to impose a power confrontation on his opponent, but he did not agree – he maneuvered around the ring, worked ahead of the curve, failed the sweeping champion, constantly jabbed.

In response, the Mexican relied on body shots. I leveled the course of the battle a little in the 3rd three-minute period, but gave up the 4th round. How uncomfortable he is with the Spaniard … However, we warned. After the first half of the fight, Carmona is ahead – 4-2.

We may be at a turning point in the fight. The challenger throws fewer punches. He now and then plays circles around the perimeter of the ring, fearing the punching power of Martinez. Apparently he injured his right hand. The opponent, on the contrary, raised the density of the battle. I would also learn how to cut the corners of the ring – it would be much more effective. Eddie Reynoso has some work to do.

Fans are very unhappy with the Spaniard. They can be understood. It looks like it’s slightly broken. There is nothing that worked at the start: no jab, no combinations. Carmona tried to break himself in the 9th round, but again he did everything wrong – he went to the exchange, after which he was forced to start cycling again. The worst thing for him is that Martinez slowed down, but even that is enough to confidently take the rounds.

Here is the denouement! Carmona had a great decisive round. If not for the injury… And so, it is unlikely that something more than a draw will shine for him.

Judges decision: 114-114, 117-111 and 116-112 in favor of the champion.

Martinez MD 12.