How do you feel he would do at todays 126 division? He put up a very good fight against Chavez until Chavez ground him down (like he did with evreyone at the time). I also thought he clearly beat Nelson the first time (in a awful fight) and had his moments in the second. I have never seen his other big fight against Fenech- how did he do? While he clearly was no great boxer do you feel he had the ability to win a ABC or even lineal title at 126 today? Remember he was just 19 when he took on JCC
Very well. I don't see anyone there that I think beats him. I had Nelson edging the first fight, but I can definitely see a case for Martinez there. No complaints from me for anyone with a Martinez card. For the most part, Fenech did the usual Fenech thing, mauling and overwhelming Martinez with his workrate. But Martinez landed a couple of shots on Fenech and really had him hurt. Was close to an upset there at one stage before Fenech recuperated. By this time mind you, Martinez was removed from his prime. He was more sluggish than normal. A prime Martinez might have finished Jeff off. Then again, the fight was at 135 and Martinez had quite a size advantage - something that wouldn't be so pronounced at 130... I think he's good enough to beat anyone today. On his day, I think he gives the likes of Morales, Barrera and Marquez hell too. To me, there's not much difference in ability between say a Daniel Zaragoza and a Mario Martinez (barring longevity on Zaragoza's part). And yet, one's in the HOF and the other didn't even win a title. Thems the breaks sometimes in boxing. Martinez was swimming with the sharks in his day. A different set of circumstances and he comes out looking a lot rosier than he currently does.
Interesting and I definatly agree with the big breaks thing. I only know about Martinez's losses. Did he actually beat any notable opponents at all? If not I think its a bit much to say he was as good as Zaragoza personally.
Zaragoza definitely has a better wins resume than Azabache, I was just talking in terms of fighting ability. Does Martinez have some notable wins? Well not really, he has some ok wins like against a fading Navarette and also Valdez and Marchena but nothing really notable. I'm gauging his ability more from his performances in losses really...
He never fought at 126. He was at 130 lbs. He also lost a split decision to Roger Mayweather. It seems he fought very good competition. Close loses to Mayweather, Nelson, and competitive loses to J.C. Cesar Chavez and Jeff Fenech show he could fight. Compariing him to Zaragoza is fair. Zaragoza lost twice to Harold Petty, was shut out by Fenech at 118 lbs. and lost to Miguel "Happy" Lora. He was also losing to Freddie Jackson but won the WBC Bantamweight title, when Freddie was DQ'd for low blows. Somehow, Zaragoza stayed around long enough and retained enough skill to use his experience to edge younger contenders and champions in the early to mid '90's. Actually, in the mid to late '80's I think Martinez was looked at by the experts as a better fighter than Zaragoza, he just fought guys that ended up being All time greats (except Mayweather, who was still very good).
Agree Boza.Martinez was a better fighter.Zaragoza's career was a great example of will and persistence over natural talent. Who would you guys rate higher, Martinez or Villasana?
Marcos was a little tougher, Mario a little more polished skill wise. Not much separating them for me...
Villasana was way tougher than everybody (along with Laporte). I agree Martinez a little more polished,,,,, close one.. Villasana beat Garza,Hodkinson,Cepeda and had a draw with a prime Esparragoza. My dad was at the Martinez and Mayweater and said it shouldnt have been split that Mayweather definitely won that fight.
