Xavier Martinez (USA) vs. Claudio Marrero (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC) | Boxing Fight Highlights

Xavier Martinez will celebrate his 23rd birthday with his most competitive and satisfying victory yet. Despite facing a moment of adversity with two knockdowns, the junior lightweight prospect rebounded from a challenging 8th round to secure a 12-round unanimous decision over Claudio Marrero. Judges Tom Carusone and John McKaie both scored the bout 114-112, while judge Glenn Feldman had it 115-111, all in favor of Martinez in their title eliminator held at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, devoid of a live audience.

Maintaining composure in the opening round, Martinez utilized his jab and tight guard to counter Marrero's attempts with a pawing jab and straight left hands. This marked Martinez's first bout since a 21-second knockout of John Vincent Moralde almost a year earlier. Round one saw minimal impactful exchanges, but Martinez increased the pace in round two, breaking through Marrero's defense with his jab and landing a left hook to the midsection.

The action intensified in round three as Marrero displayed impressive hand speed, connecting with right hooks. However, Martinez absorbed the shots and retaliated with straight right hands and a powerful left hook, forcing Marrero against the ropes. Momentum swung back and forth, with Martinez regaining control in round four through effective jab work. Marrero countered in round five, causing swelling around Martinez's eye with right hooks and left hands.

Martinez asserted himself again in round six, utilizing his heavy jab and left hook to swell Marrero's right eye. Round seven witnessed a brief pause as Marrero underwent a ringside examination but was deemed fit to continue. Martinez took advantage with aggressive left hooks, while Marrero focused on defense.

Despite a strong effort from Marrero's corner between rounds, urging him to use his experience, Martinez faced a challenging round eight. Marrero capitalized on the advice, flooring Martinez with a powerful right hook. Although Martinez survived the round, he grappled with a mouse under his left eye and a resilient opponent.

In the ninth round, Martinez returned to his jab, creating distance and frustrating Marrero's advances. Martinez's strategic jab work continued into the championship rounds, nullifying Marrero's offensive attempts. Martinez, now in control, closed the 12th and final round strongly, preserving his undefeated record with a 16-0 (11KOs) record. This victory positions him for a potential challenge for one of the numerous WBA 130-pound titles. Marrero suffered his second consecutive defeat, dropping to 25-4 in his junior lightweight debut after a career in the featherweight division, including an interim title reign.




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