Sergio Martinez KOs Paul Williams

Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez firmly established himself as one of the sport’s leading names Saturday night in Atlantic City with a one-punch knockout in the second round that left Paul Williams asleep on his feet.

After a rough-and-tumble first that saw Williams executive his aggressive game plan flawlessly, Martinez put Williams down for the count one minute into the second with a vicious left “The Punisher” never saw coming. Now firmly established as the undisputed middleweight champion of the world, Martinez welcomed all comers between 154  and 160 lbs. during the post-fight presser.

With Pacquiao playing politician and Floyd facing serious allegations outside the ring, Martinez seized his moment and can now be mentioned among the sport’s biggest draws. Despite what rumors may churn over the coming months, there is no way that the handlers for Pacman or Money would let their golden calves anywhere near Martinez.

For his part Martinez has all the elements of a star from a mug still fit for TV to a sophisticated style inside and outside the ring. Saturday night’s performance was of the kind that creates legends; those watching should feel privileged to have witnessed the beginning of Maravilla’s. Fighter of the Year seems a foregone conclusion - can a pay-per-view superfight or unification bout be far behind?