MANILA, Philippines – World middleweight champion Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez of Argentina survived a 12th round onslaught by Mexican prodgiy Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. to earn a unanimous decision victory Saturday at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas (Sunday morning in Manila).
Martinez thoroughly dominated the first 11 rounds but was knocked down in the 12th. He survived to win with scores of 118-109, 118-109, and 117-110.
The Argentinian became the World Boxing Council middleweight champion with his victory.
For the first 11 rounds, Martinez was simply too much for Chavez. He tagged the Mexican with hard shots to the body, and bloodied his nose and lips by the middle of the 12-round encounter.
While Martinez was landing his jab almost at will, Chavez was inactive for most of the early rounds, as he could not put pressure on Martinez due to the Argentinian’s excellent footwork and ring control.
But in the final round, Chavez finally took control as he staggered Martinez with hard shots. In the last minute, Chavez dropped Martinez, who was in serious trouble but managed to hold on as the final bell sounded.
Martinez's record improved to 50 wins, with two losses and two draws. Chavez lost for the first time in his career and now has a 46-1-1 record.
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