And it seems like a very wise move from the former Middleweight champ who suffered greatly at the hands of Miguel Cotto in June 2014. Martinez, now 40, has enjoyed a colorful career, even if it did bloom a little late. His unorthodox, fan-friendly style will certainly be remembered for some time to come.
The Argentine, who wore the alias ‘Maravilla’, made his retirement official during the weekend’s 26th International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, New York.
“It’s time to step aside and continue on to new horizons,” Martinez said during part of a speech obtained by USA TODAY Sports. “I’m now retired. Thank you very much, hasta la victoria siempre (and to victory always).”
Over the years, Martinez had accomplished big victories over some of the division’s elite names such as Paul Williams and Kelly Pavlik. But it became obvious to many fight fans that the Argentine’s body was starting to betray him during more recent bouts against Martin Murray and Miguel Cotto. Martinez’s mobility was significantly reduced due to returning knee injuries, in particular.
HBO’s Ken Hershman was full of complements for the fighter:
“Like millions of boxing fans around the world who have enjoyed watching his spectacular career, everybody at HBO Sports will miss Sergio’s professionalism and elite fighting skills.
“What we will do is celebrate a career that is full of accomplishments by one of the most determined athletes of this generation. Watching Sergio win the lineal world Middleweight championship on HBO was a landmark moment in the sport’s history. More importantly, our respect and admiration for Sergio as an individual is unmeasurable.”
And on Martinez’s plans outside of boxing:
“His decision to be an activist and campaign against bullying is just one example of how he has taken his celebrity and used it as a positive force to make the world a better place.”
Martinez retires with a very respectable 51 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws, and 28 knockouts to his name. During his professional career, he made six successful title defenses and reigned as a 160-pound champ for three years between 2010 and 2013.
We wish him the best.
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