During last month’s Hall of Fame Induction Weekend festivities (June 11-14th) former light middleweight and middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez formally announced his retirement from the sport of boxing.
“Thanks to the family of this marvelous sport. I want to thank all of my fans around the world. I am thanking them here at the International Boxing Hall of Fame because I am officially retiring from boxing after 20 years as a boxer. It is time to step aside and continue on to new horizons. Here I retire. Thank you so very much and to victory always,” said Martinez.
The fighting pride of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Martinez turned pro in 1997. “Maravilla” is a two-division world champion. He reigned as WBC light middleweight champion (2009-2010) and WBC (2010-2011, 2012-2014), WBO (2010) and The Ring middleweight champion. The charismatic pugilist compiled a pro record of 51-3-2 (28 KOs) that includes wins over Kelly Pavlik, Alex Bunema, Paul Williams, Darren Barker, Matthew Macklin, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Martin Murray.
Martinez recently reflected on his decision to announce his retirement in Canastota last month.
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