Kiko Martinez Retires with a Grateful Message to his Supporters
Two-division champion Kiko Martinez (44-12-2, 31KO) has officially announced his retirement from the sport of boxing. Martinez conveyed this significant decision through a heartfelt video message, accompanied by a written note addressed to his loyal boxing fans.
“I want to thank my parents, my wife, and all those that have supported me. Everything I’ve experienced in boxing was incredible and I’ve enjoyed the adventures that I have had.”
“Thanks to my friends, brothers, and brands that have supported me in the defeats and victories. I want to announce that it is time to leave boxing and leave healthy and clean from the sport I love.”
Translated from spanish
A JOURNEY OF HIGHS AND LOWS
Kiko Martinez’s illustrious 18-year career has been a rollercoaster of successes and challenges. Notably, he attained success at the European level winning the EBU titles in both the super bantamweight and featherweight divisions.
One of the pinnacle moments of his career occurred in 2013, when the Spaniard defeated Jonathan Romero for the IBF super bantamweight title.
Following a title loss to Carl Frampton in 2014, Martinez faced a prolonged championship drought until he astounded the boxing world with a remarkable upset against Kid Galahad in 2021.
In 2022, Martinez suffered a devastating knockout loss in a rematch with Josh Warrington. However, he swiftly rebounded, capturing the EBU featherweight title by beating Jordan Gill, and immediately setting his sights on a showdown with WBA champion Leigh Wood.
In his final bout, Martinez endured a disheartening defeat at the hands of Reiya Abe, likely contributing to his decision to retire.
Parting ways with the boxing ring is often an arduous decision for fighters. All too often, the boxing community witnesses fighters being retired from the sport rather than departing on their own terms. The team at 3Kings Boxing extends its sincerest well wishes to Kiko Martinez as he embarks on the next chapter of his life beyond the boxing ring.
