SERGIO MARTINEZ has retired from boxing.
The Argentine took a long route to stardom. His career saw him travel to Spain, even fight three times in the UK and it was years before he made an impression in the United States. He outscored Kelly Pavlik to win the WBC and WBO middleweight titles in 2010 and then he scored a spectacular knockout victory over Paul Williams. He had power but his swift footwork, fast hands and slick skills were a pleasure to watch.
He confirmed his star status when he reclaimed the WBC crown, that had been stripped from him, after outscoring Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr in 2012.
The end of his career were hampered by injuries and his final fight came a year ago, when Miguel Cotto forced a painful retirement in the 10th round and took over his championship reign.
