With friend Jesus Chavez offering support in his corner, San Antonio superfly prospect Raul Martinez (now 24-0, 14) won the NABF belt by crushing fellow undefeated prospect Victor Proa of Santa Clarita, Mexico (previously 26-0, 19), in Round 1. He threw everything but the kitchen sink at Proa, starting with a looping overhand right that started the avalanche. Proa, after eating the right, was sent sprawling into the ropes trying to hold with desperation. But Martinez kept throwing a variety of different punches and connecting, prompting the referee to call the fight. Martinez has deserved a title shot for a long time, and has come as a long way from the first time I saw him fight on the undercard of a Juan Diaz early WBA defense on ESPN2. Does anyone know who his promoter is? He was featured on a lot of Main Events shows with Diaz and Joel Julio, then disappeared only to resurface on Telefutura Solo Boxeo.
Still a couple of fights away from fighting for a world title, but was very impressive in his first-round stoppage victory Friday night on Telefutura against then unbeaten Mexican Victor Proa. He use to be promoted by Main Events, but was released by him last year. He pretty good amateur: Record: 70-20-1 Reached Quarter-Finals of 2004 Olympic Trials (Lost to Arron Alafa) Two-Time U.S. National Amateur Champion Two-Time Jr. Amateur Champion Four-time Texas Golden Gloves Champion Let's see if he can make some noise in boxing's lower weight classes.
