Martinez versus Murray in Argentina HBO Fight Card Preview
Robert Brizel and Sergio Gabriel Martinez. Photo copyright Real Combat Media,
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Correspondent
Sergio Gabriel Martinez is 38 years old, the modern day Bernard Hopkins of the middleweight division Bernard Hopkins left behind, a modern day maravilla. The talented southpaw World Boxing Council World Middleweight champion has proven to have a greater longevity than his legendary Argentine predecessor Carlos Monzon.
The late Carlos Monzon went 87-3-9 in 99 professional bouts with 59 knockouts, retiring at age 34 after winning his second 15 round decision over Rodrigo Valdez in Monte Carlo, Monaco on July 30, 1977. Monzon died at age 52 in 1995. Martinez, a southpaw fighting out of Madrid, Spain, is 50-2-2 with 28 knockouts, 45 bouts less than the great Monzon.
Martinez, having defeated 46-0-1 Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. of Mexico, now must face 25-0-1 interim World Boxing Association World Middleweight champion Martin Murray, a 30 year old with 11 knockouts out of St. Helens, United Kingdom.
Other than his 12 round split decision draw with Felix Sturm for the WBA Super World Middleweight title in December 2011, not much has been heard from Murray. The principal issue in this championship bout is Murray has not faced quality opposition, so his padded record is meaningless for the most part. I do not foresee Martinez versus Murray being a great extravaganza like Martinez versus Chavez Jr. was.
Martinez has proven versatile in being able to adjust to the style of any fighter. Martinez can box and he can punch. The outcome has to do with how well Martinez can adjust to Murray. For Martinez, the Murray fight should prove to be less than a challenge. True, any fight can be a decent fight. Any fight can turn around to be the fight of the year. Martinez versus Murray does not meet these standards.
Any southpaw can be beaten. It’s all about the leg movement. Boxing is a lot like chess.
It’s where you place your feet that counts. Martinez moves very well at the highest level, while Murray does not.
Murray will find Martinez extremely difficult to hit. Martinez maintains a low stance and good head movement. Martinez can move his head really well, while Murray cannot. Styles make fights, and Martinez versus Murray is no exception.
To stance a chance, Murray will have to neutralize Martinez’ movements somehow. It’s all about physical conditioning. For if Murray cannot neutralize Martinez’ movement, Murray is done, because the quality of his opposition is now on Martinez’ level.
Age is a factor. With Murray, however, Martinez is not swimming on the deep end of the pool. Martinez is picking his opponents carefully, guys he knows he can beat. Peter Quillin might take Martinez on a wicked trip if such a bout took place. Martinez versus Murray should be put in its place. Murray is a tune up bout for Martinez.
There’s always a chance opponents like Murray could get lucky. There’s always a possibility. They don’t call boxing the theater of the unexpected for nothing. Just take a look at what Juan Manuel Marquez did to Pacman. Anybody can beat anybody at any given moment. It is not likely Murray will get lucky against Martinez. Indeed, Murray will get lucky if he somehow goes the distance with the Martinez. To do that, Murray will have to run like his underwear is on fire, and someone’s trying to put the fire out with a whip.
Martinez will try to cut off the ring, but he’s not going to run in circles chasing Martinez. Martinez is going to pace himself. Martinez is going to feel Murray out, and see what boxing game Murray is bringing to the table. If Martinez does not find anything, Martinez will do away with Murray within six rounds.
Undercard Predictions
Luis Carlos Abregu Win 12 Antonin DeCarie, WBC Silver Welterweight Title
Kiko Martinez Win 10 Davian David Marchiano, Super Bantamweights
Claudia Lopez Win 10 Dahiana Santana, IBF Female Featherweight Title
Gary Buckland Win 10 Fernando Saucedo, WBC Silver Super Featherweight Title
Magomed Abdusalamov KO 4 Sebastian Ceballos, WBC USNBC Heavyweight Title
Ivan Ruiz Win 10 Diego Lirano, Bantamweights
Israel Perez Win 6 Jorge Luis Gonazalez, Lightweights
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