Hey mates! I'm discussing Sergio Martinez' career in the General but wanted to get some input here in the British of Sergio Martinez' short UK career. I remember a trainer giving me good input on Maravilla after the first Richard Williams fight, which I believe Martinez won from the canvas, and then he went on beating Adrian Stone (I saw that one) and Williams once again. Can you give me some input on these fights and fighters, and what did you think of Martinez back then before he disappeared for years? Cheers!
I haven't seen either fight, but I have seen a couple of Richard Williams fights. He was a strong guy, but he could be outboxed - this was seen in his fight against Shannan Taylor, but his power came through and he stopped him in the 4th. The other fight that I have seen of Williams' is his first fight with Paul Samuels, very highly rated prospect who didn't really get the breaks he deserved. This was a great little 3 round fight, where Samuels seemed to be taking over after Williams was cut twice. If the fight had gone on, I would have expected Williams power to come through. He did win the rematch (although I haven't seen it) against Samuels. Can't really say much about Adrian Stone, and I am sure there are other posters who know about both a lot more than me :good
Never seen him in those fights but I heard he was very impressive. You'd kinda expect him to be against that opposition mind.
I watched both Williams fight and have been a massive fan since then. The second Williams fight was a complete annihiliation, almost sickening to watch. Williams was really struggling. Althought I would say Williams' better days were behind him at that point. But yeah, Martinez looked special in that second fight with Williams. Edit: I think I saw the Stone fight as well, which was also a shellacking. Overall Martinez's little dalliance with the UK reminded me a bit of Winky Wright's 'exhibition' tour back in the mid nineties. Looked in a different class.
I think a lot of Brits kept an eye on Martinez after those fights. Neither Willaims (a big hitter) or Stone were really work class but they were near the top of a very strong (at that time) British 154lb division and it was a suprise at the time when Martinez came over and beat them both emphatically. It was certainly no surprise to me when Martinez gave Cintron and Paul Williams all they could handle (esp. Cintron who he had beat in that fight). Love the "mates" introduction as well BB!!:good
The Adrian Stone fight is on YT :good [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUMVZgyodBg[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mNAFUdTYpo[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1VVMnnceaw[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVrcLdAippI[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCWbwvvh6Tk[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PG0p6WalIE[/ame]
I remember the first Williams fight and early on Williams looked to good for him. Then he faded badly and Martinez beat him. Remember the commentators were convinced Williams was ill because he finished so weakly. Martinez went on to be too good in the rematch though
This thread passed me by. That fight took place in the local sports centre which is a stone's throw (literally that close) from the house I grew up in. ****ing amazing to think that the lineal middleweight champ of the world fought right next to local landmarks such as the Hartcliffe roundabout and the Dragon Chef takeaway. What an honour for him. No doubt the unique experience and his brief fellowship with the local people spurred him on to the achieve the stunning accomplishments that he's enjoyed in his career. Martinez fought in Brizzle, ergo he is Bristolian.
It wa sthe classic slick southpaw giving a beatdown to dopey orthodox fighters I remember during the Stone fight Martinez was toying with Stone Adam Smith said a line that to this day is still my favourite sports commentary 'Whatever happens in this fight, he wont be invited back to this country' He was though and he gave Williams a thorough beating in the rematch Was absolutely delighted when he wn his title against Pavlik, Cant believe I ddint jump on 3/1 by decision as I knew he would outbox that dude
Never saw the Stone fight but I remember the two Williams fights not so fondly, I really rated Williams, he's one of my modern-faves and Martinez really gave him a couple of decent beatings. Martinez is a good, good fighter.