BURGOS STOPS MARTINEZ IN THE 12

Burgos stops Martinez in 12
By Doug Fischer (Courtesy of The Ring Magazine, RingTV.com)

Featherweight up-and-comer Juan Carlos Burgos (24-0, 17 knockouts) inched closer to a mandatory shot at one of the sanctioning organization title belts with a 12th-round stoppage over experienced spoiler Juan Carlos Martinez in the main event of an ESPN2-televised card from Laredo, Texas on Friday.

The 22-year-old prospect from Tijuana, Mexico, controlled the action of the brisk contest until a barrage of lefts and rights dropped Martinez (17-12-1, 7 KOs) to one knee for referee John Schorle’s count of "9" in the 12th round. Martinez, who failed to make the contracted 126 pounds (weighing in at 129 on Thursday), got up with 2 minutes left in the round, but Burgos needed less than 10 seconds to send the game journeyman reeling backwards with a powerful hook-straight right combination, prompting Schorle to step in and halt the fight.

Burgos is not yet rated by THE RING as a featherweight but the tall, rangy boxer-puncher already has a no. 1 spot on the WBC. The versatility, poise and precision he exhibited vs. Martinez suggest that he has the ability to win at least one belt and enjoy a successful boxing career.

Burgos boxed patiently in the early rounds of the bout, using his superior height and reach to keep Martinez on the outside. Martinez, who was game throughout, was more aggressive in the middle rounds, but found that Burgos was more than willing to trade with him.

Burgos was more accurate, offensively, and superior defensively, but Martinez’s solid chin kept him in the fight. Burgos stalked Martinez into the late rounds of the bout, mixing body shots in with his one-two combinations. However, Martinez continued to attack in spots. When the spoiler tried to press Burgos at the start of the final round, he gave Burgos the opening he needed to close the show.