I just got done watching Burns/Martinez for the third time, and you know, this is what boxing is about to me. I like Burns. I think he's a really humble, down to earth, nice lad but he's not extremely blessed physically and he does have good skills, but there was one reason he is now the world champion - He has the heart of a lion. That's a true championship winning performance. To get knocked down in the first round and come back the way he did, shows true heart. Even going into the last round, he didn't get on his bike to protect his win, he fought like he had for the previous 11 rounds and took the 12th too. This is what makes boxing. Proud warriors putting it all on the line and overcoming all adversity, to make it to the top. He deserves his moment now and he will forever go down in history alongside great Scottish champions like Ken Buchanan and Benny Lynch. Even if he isn't as talented as those, he's made it to the top because he had so much courage. It was a pleasure to watch him take the belt and I hope he can continue to progress in his career.
Burns did indeed put up a herculean effort the other night to become a World Champion. I don't recall many people, if any, giving him even a small chance of the upset. I thought he boxed beautifully behind an educated jab, and the uppercut was there for him all night. Martinez couldn't get out the way, and as a result, was being outpointed in virtually every round. There were many occasions however where Burns looked really hurt, almost as if he had no legs, and I was convinced he was going to fall near the end. Roman Martinez clearly isn't the most adept Boxer of all time, or even in or around his weight class, but he clearly packs a punch. A credit to Burns, indeed. I do get the sense however that Burns won't be holding onto his title for very long.
Hopkins KO 12 of Tito Manny Pacqiuao Death by A thousand left hands vs. De La Hoya 2 dogs who ate their opponents for dinner and then spit them out.
