Sergio Martinez has lined up another potential patsy to reacclimate to the ring
Just a few short months ago, former world middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (52-3-2, 29 KO’s) returned to the ring. In that prizefight versus Jose Fandino (15-8, 8 KO’s), Martinez was able to easily control the action behind a steady and accurate jab.
Also to his credit, Maravilla’s hand speed looked pretty good as well. With these tools, the Argentinian backed up, intimidated and ultimately claimed a seventh round TKO over his Spaniard foe. Honestly, it appeared that Fandino could have soldiered on, but chose not to. Obviously, Martinez really enjoyed his time in the squared-circle because he is fighting again this December 19.
JUST WARMING UP
When Maravilla fought Fandino, there never came a time when his mobility was tested. Martinez initially retired largely due his impaired right knee. As an avid soccer player and a years’ long boxer, wear and tear on the area led him all the way to the surgeon’s scalpel.
Sadly, even surgery could not undo the accumulated damage. Seeing no other recourse, he hung up his gloves. Six years later, against Fandino, Martinez was able to perform without issue. Although, it should be noted that while it did not impair him during the fight, Maravilla did move in a rather stiff-legged fashion.
So it should come as no surprise that in his second bout back to the ring, like his first, Martinez has selected another likely ‘no-hoper.’ On December 19 Maravilla will take on Finland fighter Jussi Koivula (24-7-1, 9 KO’s). Koivula will enter the ring coming off back to back losses. In fact, in his last seven bouts he is 3-4, with one of those wins coming by way of disqualification. Therefore it is rather improbable that Koivula will force Martinez to show any more dimensions or depth than did Fandino.
By: Bakari Simpson
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