From the archive · January 5, 2002
Artur Grigorian vs Rocky Ray Martinez
WBO World Lightweight Title · Bordelandhalle, Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany
Record 33-0-0 · 135 lb
Record 36-5-1 · 135 lb
The fight
On January 5, 2002, at the Bordelandhalle in Magdeburg, Germany, Artur Grigorian defended his WBO lightweight title against Mexico's Rocky Martinez. With an unblemished record of 33-0, Grigorian faced Martinez, who entered the bout with a 36-5-1 record. Both fighters weighed in at the lightweight limit of 135 pounds.
From the outset, Grigorian showcased superior technique and control, utilizing his right jab to set up powerful left-hand shots. Martinez struggled to mount a significant offence against the champion's precise combinations and defensive prowess. The bout culminated in the eighth round when referee Paul Thomas intervened, halting the contest at 2:15, awarding Grigorian a technical knockout victory.
This victory marked Grigorian's 15th successful defence of the WBO lightweight title, a championship he had held since April 1996 after defeating Antonio Rivera. He would go on to defend the title two more times before eventually losing to Acelino Freitas.