Rocky Martinez WBO Jr. Lightweight Champion

ROCKY MARTÍNEZ SE CORONA POR SEGUNDA OCASIÓN EN EMOCIONANTE COMBATE ANTE MIGUEL BELTRÁN JR.  EN LAS VEGAS

El puertorriqueño Román “Rocky” Martínez se coronó por segunda ocasión en el peso junior ligero de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) al derrotar por decisión dividida al mexicano Miguel Beltrán Jr. en una emocionante pelea, que se efectuó en el Thomas & Mack Center de Las Vegas.

Martínez (26-1-1, 16 KOs), quien tuvo esta correa de las 130 libras entre 2009 y 2010, se llevó la reyerta cuando los jueces Clark Sammartino y Duane Ford votaron 114-113 a su favor, mientras que Lisa Giampa vio el choque 116-111 para Beltrán Jr. (27-2, 17 KOs).

El combate comenzó con Beltrán atacando en el primer asalto a Martínez, colocando buenos golpes al boricua.

Luego, Martínez controló el choque por varios capítulos peleando para el frente y buscando el combate adentro para llevar la mejor parte. Así siguió la acción, con Martínez llevando el control en el combate cerca y Beltrán conectando buenos golpes desde afuera, que estremecían en ocasiones a Martínez.

Con el encuentro cerrado, el árbitro Russel Mora, que había advertido a Beltrán Jr. por golpear detrás de la cabeza, le quitó un punto al azteca en el undécimo asalto, que viendo las puntuaciones de los oficiales, decidió la pelea.

The Puerto Rican Roman “Rocky” Martinez was crowned for the second time in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight by defeating in a exciting fight the Mexican Miguel Beltran Jr. in a split decision, which took place at the Thomas & Mack Center of Las Vegas.

Martinez (26-1-1, 16 KOs), who had this 130 pounds belt between 2009 and 2010, when the brawl took Clark Sammartino and judges Duane Ford voted 114-113 in his favor, while Lisa Giampa saw 116-111 shock for Beltran Jr. (27-2, 17 KOs).

The battle began with Beltran attacking in the first assault on Martinez, the Puerto Rican placing good shots.

Then Martinez controlled the match for several chapters fighting for advantage and looking to take the fight in the best part. This action followed, with Martinez taking control in combat near good punches and Beltrán connecting from outside, which sometimes shook Martinez.

With the closed score, the referee Russell Mora, who had warned Beltran Jr. for hitting behind the head, took a point in the eleventh assault, that seeing scores of officers, decided the fight.

There could be major fireworks on the undercard of the Sergio Martinez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. bout on Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center. Roman “Rocky” Martinez will battle Miguel Beltran, Jr. for the vacant WBO Super Featherweight title.

Both men are hard-punchers, but Martinez especially seems incapable of having a boring fight.

The Puerto Rican ex-champion is 25-1-1 with 16 KOs and he usually trades bombs with his opponents.

Beltran, Jr. is a little more of a technical boxer, but he has some power as well. He’s 27-1-1 with 17 KOs. This will be the first time Beltran, Jr. has ever fought outside of Mexico as a professional. He’s from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Beyond the ever present Puerto Rican-Mexican boxing rivalry, this fight also pits two fighters with pleasing styles against each other for a title.

That is genuinely a mix that creates an exciting bout.

Here are the particulars for catching the action, analysis for each fighter and a prediction:

When: September 15, 9:00 p.m. ET

Where: Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas

TV: HBO PPV

Live Stream: HBO GO, Pay Service

The Book on Martinez

image from blogs.bettor

Martinez is the former WBO super featherweight champion. He lost the title in his only professional defeat in a 2010 bout against Ricky Burns.

He dropped Burns in the first round of the fight, but was out-pointed for the remainder of the bout.

He seems to have taken to the old adage: Take two shots just to land one. It has worked for him thus far, but his defense is a real concern. He keeps his hands very low, and he doesn’t move his head enough.

That said, he has a very solid chin and he throws power punches with tremendous leverage.

Take a look at this video of Martinez fighting Nicky Cook. Martinez won the title in this fight, but you can see examples of both his pros and cons in the clip.

A great chin is a great quality to fall back on, but Martinez’s style leaves him in harm’s way a little too often. Though he is an accurate puncher, he isn’t exceptionally quick, and sometimes he takes heavy shots in exchanges.

His skill-set makes for exciting fights, but he’s vulnerable to heavy-hitters and fighters with great mobility and a solid jab.

The Book on Beltran, Jr.

There isn’t a ton of footage available for Beltran, Jr., and I have never seen him live. My assessment of his skills are based on two fights I watched to prepare for this article.

That said, his boxing skills are apparent. He has solid head movement and overall defense. He displays a quick and accurate jab. Beltran has excellent hand speed and sharp reflexes.

He had a shot at IBF Super Featherweight champion Juan Carlos Salgado, but their fight was ruled a no-contest in the second round. A head butt and subsequent cut from Salgado caused the fight to be halted.

Beltran, Jr. was clearly landing clean shots against Salgado, and judging by that round alone, it could have been a tough night for the champion.

There are two things you have to consider with Beltran, Jr., though. He hasn’t proven that he has great stamina and big fight experience.

He’s been in only three fights that were scheduled for 10 or 12 rounds. Only two of them went that far, and one of them accounts for his only loss.

That came via 10th-round TKO in 2010 at the hands of Joksan Hernandez. He certainly has the skill-set to handle Martinez, but the question is whether he has the stamina and poise.

By: Brian Mazique

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1333595-rocky-martinez-vs-miguel-beltran-fight-time-date-live-stream-tv-and-more

La Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) anuncia los oficiales que estarán trabajando en el combate por el vacante título mundial junior ligero entre el puertorriqueño Román “Rocky” Martínez y el mexicano Miguel Beltrán Jr., que se efectuará en el Thomas & Mack Center de la UNLV en Las Vegas, Nevada, en una presentación de Top Rank.

El presidente de la OMB, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, informó que para el choque entre el octavo clasificado en las 130 libras, Martínez (25-1-1, 16 KOs) y el sexto clasificado Beltrán Jr. (27-1, 17 KOs), el árbitro será el estadounidense Russel Mora.

Mientras, los jueces que trabajarán en el encuentro entre Martínez y Beltrán Jr. serán los también estadounidenses Clark Sammartino, Duane Ford y Lisa Giampa. El supervisor de la OMB para esta reyerta será el puertorriqueño Luis Pérez. Presidente del Comité de Clasificaciones de la OMB.

El combate entre Martínez, un ex monarca junior ligero de la OMB, y Beltrán Jr. será transmitido por HBO Pay Per View, que tendrá otras peleas y que comenzará su emisión a las 9:00 de la noche.

Recuerden la 25ta Convención Anual y Elecciones de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), que se efectuará del 22 al 26 de octubre de 2012 en el Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino de Hollywood, Florida.

          Para reservaciones en el Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino de Hollywood, Florida, pueden llamar al teléfono 1 800 937-0010 ó verificar en la página del hotel a la dirección www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, así como la página cibernética   www.wboboxing.com.

World Boxing Organization (WBO) announces the referee and judges who will work Saturday, September 15,  for the vacant junior lightweight title between the Puerto Rican  Roman “Rocky” Martinez and Miguel Beltran Jr. Mexican, to be held at the Thomas & Mack Center UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a presentation of Top Rank.

WBO President, Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel reported that for the fight between the #8 ranked at 130 pounds, Martinez (25-1-1, 16 KOs) and #6 ranked Beltran Jr. (27-1, 17 KOs), the referee will be Russel Mora, from United States.

Meanwhile, the judges for fight will be Clark Sammartino, Duane Ford and Lisa Giampa, all three from United States. WBO supervisor for this bout will be the Puerto Rican Luis Perez,  the Chairman of the Ratings Committee.

The fight between Martinez, a former junior lightweight of the WBO, and Beltran Jr. will be broadcast on HBO Pay Per View, and its broadcast starts at 9:00 pm.

Remember the 25th Annual Convention WBO Silver Jubilee and Election to be held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from October 22 to October 26, 2012. For reservations at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, you can call 1 800 937-0010 or access www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com. More information at www.wboboxing.com.

Por: Aleudi Rosario

Date: September 15, 2012

WBO Jr. Lightweight Championship Title Bout

Location: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Promoter: Top Rank, Lou DiBella Entertainment, PR Best Boxing

Result: Martinez won by split decision.

Referee: Russell Mora

Judges: Clark Sammartino (114-113), Duane Ford (114-113), Lisa Giampa (111-116).

Supervisor: Luis Perez