Sergio Martinez Survives His Coronation Against Martin Murray

Sergio Martinez photo by Anna John for StiffJab.com

by Gautham Nagesh

Most boxers come from difficult places. Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez is no exception; “Maravilla” was so poor growing up in Buenos Aires, he had no concept of dinner.

There have been no shortcuts for Martinez on the road to the top. He fought for every opportunity, every inch, and took what others wouldn’t give him. Sergio Martinez left Argentina 11 years ago an anonymous boxer; Saturday night, he returned home a superstar. His face radiated bliss as he basked in the adoration of 45,000 of his countrymen; he seemed to float to the ring on strength their collective voices.

Once he reached the ring, however, Martinez found himself facing an opponent with no interest in playing the foil. Martin Murray came from England fully intending to return with the middleweight championship of the world, and came within a few punches of doing so. That Martinez ultimately escaped with a narrow unanimous decision is testament to Maravilla’s remarkable will and conditioning, as well as some long-awaited home cooking from the officials surrounding the ring.

Murray was arguably the better man, and deserves some sympathy. But it is difficult to begrudge Martinez a long-awaited break, when he has enjoyed so few in the past.