Sergio Martinez

Biography

Born on February 21, 1975, in Avellaneda, Argentina, Sergio Gabriel Martínez embarked on a remarkable boxing career that saw him rise from humble beginnings to become a two-division world champion and one of the most respected fighters of his generation.

Martínez's early life was marked by hardship. He grew up in a poor rural village where he was often bullied. He worked construction jobs alongside his father and brothers before discovering his passion for boxing in 1995. After a successful amateur career, Martínez turned professional in 1997, fighting his first 17 bouts in his native Argentina.

In 2000, Martínez suffered his first professional loss against Antonio Margarito in Las Vegas. Undeterred, he returned to Argentina and continued to hone his skills before relocating to Spain in 2002. There, he began his partnership with trainer Gabriel Sarmiento and made a name for himself on the international stage.

Martínez's breakthrough came in 2003 when he defeated Richard Williams in England to capture the IBO light middleweight title. He successfully defended the title twice before moving up to middleweight, where he would achieve his greatest successes.

In 2010, Martínez's career reached new heights when he defeated Kelly Pavlik to win the WBC, WBO, Ring, and lineal middleweight titles. He followed up this victory with a stunning second-round knockout of Paul Williams in their rematch, avenging a previous loss and solidifying his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Martínez's reign as middleweight champion included notable victories over Sergiy Dzindziruk, Darren Barker, Matthew Macklin, and Julio César Chávez Jr. His fluid, athletic style and tendency to fight with his hands down made him a fan favourite and earned him the nickname "Maravilla" ("Marvelous").

Martínez has been a vocal advocate for various social causes outside the ring. He has been recognized for his work in helping bullied children and has championed the fight against domestic violence against women. Martínez is also the author of a book titled "Corazón de Rey" ("Heart of a King").

Despite his success, Martínez's career was not without its challenges. Injuries, particularly to his knees, began to take their toll in the latter stages of his career. In June 2014, he lost his middleweight title to Miguel Cotto in his last fight before announcing his retirement in June 2015 at 40.

Sergio Martínez's journey from the streets of Argentina to the pinnacle of the boxing world is a testament to his talent, determination, and resilience. His impact on the sport, both in and out of the ring, has cemented his status as one of the most remarkable fighters of his era.

Martinez made a comeback in August 2021, winning by 7th round Tko over Jose Miguel Fandiño in Spain. Five more wins followed, the latest against Jhon Teherán (Ko 1) at Luna Park, Buenos Aires.