Kiko Martínez

Francisco "Kiko" Martínez Sánchez (born 7 March 1986) is a Spanish former professional boxer. He is a world champion in two weight classes, having held the IBF super-bantamweight title from 2013 to 2014, and the IBF featherweight title from 2021 to 2022. At regional level, he held the European super-bantamweight title three times between 2007 and 2013, and the European featherweight title in 2018.

Kiko Martínez
Statistics
Real nameFrancisco Martínez Sánchez
Nickname(s)La Sensación ("The Sensation")
Weight(s)
Height165 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Reach168 cm (66 in)
Born (1986-03-07) 7 March 1986
Elche, Baix Vinalopó,
Alicante, Spain
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights58
Wins44
Wins by KO31
Losses12
Draws2

Amateur career

Martínez fought extensively as an amateur. He fought 40 amateur bouts and never lost, with 38 of those victories being by knockout. Martinez stated that he "could have gone to the Olympics – the Spanish amateur boxing association wanted me to sign a four-year contract but I wanted to turn professional".[1]

Professional career

Martínez turned professional on 11 June 2004, defeating David Casero by knockout in the third round on a card that included Javier Castillejo.[2]

Martínez went on to win all of his first 11 fights with each victory coming via a knockout within four rounds.[2]

European super-bantamweight champion

On 10 March 2006, Martínez faced Frenchman Salem Bouaita for his EBU European Union super bantamweight title at Pabellón de Elche in Spain. This was Martinez's first fight which went past four rounds and the fight went the full scheduled 10 rounds. Martínez was given a unanimous points win and won the title.

Martínez won a further four fights and became the mandatory challenger European super bantamweight title.[2]

Martínez vs. Dunne

The EBU made Martinez the mandatory challenger for Irish fighter, Bernard Dunne's European super bantamweight title.

Martínez and Dunne clashed on 25 August 2007 at the Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland. This was Martinez's first fight outside of Spain and despite being the challenger he was confident of victory. Martinez stated before the fight that he "might be a little shorter than Bernard but I'm 5 foot 4 inches of a headache for him".[2][1]

On the night of the fight the Point Depot filled with expectant Irish boxing fans and the fight was beamed live on RTÉ, the Irish national television broadcaster. The fight started with Dunne keeping his guard low and circling Martínez. However, Martínez quickly had Dunne on the canvas with an overhand right. Dunne appeared stunned and unaware of what had happened. Dunne beat the count but was floored twice more before the referee stopped the fight within only 90 seconds of round one.[3][4][5][6]

The Martínez camp stated that they knew there would be a first round victory and that many of them had placed bets worth thousands of pounds with Irish bookmakers at odds of 66/1 that Martínez would win in the first round.[4][5][6][7][8]

Controversy

Martínez had signed to fight another Irishman, the Las Vegas-based former WBC bantamweight champion, Wayne McCullough at Belfast's Kings Hall on 1 December 2007.[8]

McCullough had not fought for over two years and the Kings Hall venue was sold out for the fight. It was agreed that the non-title fight would take place at 8 st 12 lb mark. However, on the day before the fight there was uproar during the weigh-in and the fight was cancelled amid chaotic scenes.[9] McCullough had already contracted to fight at 2 lb over the 8 st 10 lb championship weight and he weighed in at 8 st 9 lb. However, Martínez failed to make the agreed weight and was 1.75 lb over the agreed weight.[9]

Martínez was given a couple of hours to shed the excess weight, but did not return to weigh in again and the scales were closed by a BBBofC official. A furious McCullough stated "I couldn't believe it. He comes in over the weight and then after being asked to take it off he just sits there and does nothing. I just can't believe what has happened. I was ready to fight and ready to win and he comes in that much over the weight.".[9][10]

First loss

Kiko Martínez made his first defence of the EBU super bantamweight title against Rendall Munroe; a title he had successfully taken from Bernard Dunne in August 2007. The fight against Munroe took place at the Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre, Nottingham on 7 March 2008.[11]

The fight turned out to be fairly uneventful as Munroe countered Martínez by blocking and counterpunching, without ever troubling the champion. Meanwhile, Martinez failed to land the big shots that had seen him stop Bernard Dunne. The fight went the full 12 rounds, with Munroe winning by a majority points decision.

Martínez vs. Frampton

On February 9, 2013, Martínez faced Carl Frampton in front of Frampton's home fans in the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. Martinez lost by TKO in Round 9 losing the European Super-bantamweight title.[12] Carl Frampton and Kiko fought again in September 2014 in Northern Ireland.

“Since the 9th of February 2013, when I get up at five in the morning to go training, I remember him. For me, to defeat him is a greater motivation than the chance to unify the belts," said Martinez.

"I will never forget that night and I will prove that it was just a bad day for me. I am world champion now and my legacy will be bigger for facing Carl Frampton.”

IBF super-bantamweight champion

On 17 August 2013 in New Jersey, Martínez beat Jonatan Romero by TKO to win the IBF Super Bantamweight title. After 2 successful defenses, Martinez then had a rematch with Carl Frampton resulting in Martinez losing his IBF belt.

Since then Martinez has had ten wins and 5 losses. Three of these losses were against World Champions Scott Quigg, Leo Santa Cruz and Gary Russell Jr.

Professional boxing record
58 fights 44 wins 12 losses
By knockout 31 5
By decision 13 7
Draws 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
58 Loss 44–12–2 Reiya Abe UD 12 8 Apr 2023 Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan
57 Win 44–11–2 Jordan Gill TKO 4 (12), 2:44 29 Oct 2022 Wembley Arena, London, England Won European featherweight title
56 Loss 43–11–2 Josh Warrington TKO 7 (12), 2:12 26 Mar 2022 First Direct Arena, Leeds, England Lost IBF featherweight title
55 Win 43–10–2 Kid Galahad KO 6 (12), 0:06 13 Nov 2021 Utilita Arena Sheffield, Sheffield, England Won IBF featherweight title
54 Win 42–10–2 Jayro Duran UD 8 11 Sep 2021 Pavelló de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
53 Loss 41–10–2 Zelfa Barrett UD 12 13 Feb 2021 The SSE Arena, London, England For IBF Inter-Continental junior-lightweight title
52 Win 41–9–2 Noe Martinez Raygoza TKO 3 (8), 2:09 21 Aug 2020 El Malecon, Torrelavega, Spain
51 Win 40–9–2 Alexander Cazares UD 10 7 Dec 2019 Polideportivo Vicente Trueba, Torrelavega, Spain
50 Loss 39–9–2 Gary Russell Jr. TKO 5 (12), 2:52 18 May 2019 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S. For WBC featherweight title
49 Win 39–8–2 Marc Vidal UD 12 27 Oct 2018 Polideportivo Fernando Martin, Fuenlabrada, Spain Won European featherweight title
48 Draw 38–8–2 Marc Vidal TD 3 (12), 3:00 19 May 2018 Plaza de Toros, Benidorm, Spain For European featherweight title;
TD after Vidal was cut
47 Win 38–8–1 Lorenzo Parra KO 3 (8), 2:55 26 Aug 2017 Plaza de Toros, Benidorm, Spain
46 Win 37–8–1 Franklin Varela TKO 4 (8), 1:40 14 Jul 2017 Palacio de Deportes, Benidorm, Spain
45 Loss 36–8–1 Josh Warrington MD 12 13 May 2017 First Direct Arena, Leeds, England For WBC International featherweight title
44 Win 36–7–1 Leonel Hernandez PTS 8 25 Nov 2016 Palacio de los Deportes, Gijón, Spain
43 Draw 35–7–1 Eusebio Osejo SD 8 23 Jul 2016 Palacio de Deportes, Benidorm, Spain
42 Loss 35–7 Léo Santa Cruz TKO 5 (12), 2:09 27 Feb 2016 Honda Center, Anaheim, California, US For WBA (Super) featherweight title
41 Win 35–6 Miguel Gonzalez TKO 4 (8), 1:39 12 Dec 2015 Pavelló de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
40 Win 34–6 Everth Briceno UD 8 14 Nov 2015 Gran Canaria Arena, Las Palmas, Spain
39 Win 33–6 Herald Molina KO 1 (8), 0:54 23 Oct 2015 Pabellón Pilar Fernández Valderrama, Valladolid, Spain
38 Loss 32–6 Scott Quigg TKO 2 (12), 1:02 18 Jul 2015 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England For WBA (Regular) super-bantamweight title
37 Win 32–5 George Gachechiladze TKO 2 (8), 3:00 12 Dec 2014 Pavelló de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
36 Loss 31–5 Carl Frampton UD 12 6 Sep 2014 Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Northern Ireland Lost IBF super-bantamweight title
35 Win 31–4 Hozumi Hasegawa TKO 7 (12), 1:20 23 Apr 2014 Osaka-jō Hall, Osaka, Japan Retained IBF super-bantamweight title
34 Win 30–4 Jeffrey Mathebula KO 9 (12), 2:05 21 Dec 2013 Pabellón Esperanza Lag, Elche, Spain Retained IBF super-bantamweight title
33 Win 29–4 Jonatan Romero TKO 6 (12), 2:40 17 Aug 2013 Revel Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Won IBF super-bantamweight title
32 Win 28–4 Damian David Mariano TKO 2 (8), 1:41 27 Apr 2013 José Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina Won vacant WBC Latino super-bantamweight title
31 Loss 27–4 Carl Frampton TKO 9 (12), 2:46 9 Feb 2013 Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland Lost European super-bantamweight title;
For IBF Inter-Continental super-bantamweight title
30 Win 27–3 Dougie Curran PTS 6 21 Jul 2012 The Emerald Roadhouse, Belfast, Northern Ireland
29 Win 26–3 Arsen Martirosian TKO 12 (12), 0:35 9 Mar 2012 Palais des Sports de Gerland, Lyon, France Retained European super-bantamweight title
28 Win 25–3 Jason Booth KO 10 (12), 2:22 15 Apr 2011 La Cubierta, Leganés, Spain Won vacant European super-bantamweight title
27 Win 24–3 Oscar Chacin UD 6 18 Feb 2011 Daya Nueva, Spain
26 Win 23–3 Arsen Martirosian UD 12 11 Sep 2010 National Stadium, Dublin, Ireland Won vacant European super-bantamweight title
25 Win 22–3 Feliciano Dario Azuaga TKO 3 (12), 1:12 16 Apr 2010 Valladolid, Spain Won vacant WBO Latino interim super-bantamweight title
24 Win 21–3 Said Chichti KO 1 (6), 2:07 11 Dec 2009 Daya Nueva, Spain
23 Loss 20–3 Takalani Ndlovu UD 12 25 Sep 2009 Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
22 Loss 20–2 Rendall Munroe UD 12 27 Feb 2009 Metrodome, Barnsley, England For European super-bantamweight title
21 Win 20–1 Gheorghe Ghiompirica PTS 6 18 Dec 2008 City University, Dublin, Ireland
20 Win 19–1 Silviu Lupu TKO 1 (10), 1:10 12 Aug 2008 Plaza de Toros, Benidorm, Spain
19 Win 18–1 Lante Addy PTS 8 5 Jul 2008 National Basketball Arena, Dublin, Ireland
18 Loss 17–1 Rendall Munroe MD 12 7 Mar 2008 Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Nottingham, England Lost European super-bantamweight title
17 Win 17–0 Bernard Dunne TKO 1 (12), 1:26 25 Aug 2007 Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland Won European super-bantamweight title
16 Win 16–0 Andrei Florin TKO 1 (8), 3:00 18 Mar 2007 Polideportivo Municipal, Catral, Spain
15 Win 15–0 Edison Torres UD 8 15 Dec 2006 Dolores, Spain
14 Win 14–0 John Bikai PTS 12 14 Jul 2006 Alicante, Spain Retained European Union super-bantamweight title
13 Win 13–0 Andrei Florin TKO 3 (6), 2:33 26 May 2006 Dolores, Spain
12 Win 12–0 Salem Bouaita UD 10 10 Mar 2006 Pabellón, Elche, Spain Won European Union super-bantamweight title
11 Win 11–0 Peter Baláž KO 1 (6), 1:38 25 Nov 2005 Dolores, Spain
10 Win 10–0 Manuel Sequera KO 2 (6), 2:15 14 Oct 2005 Dolores, Spain
9 Win 9–0 Manuel Gomes KO 4 (12), 2:01 15 Jul 2005 Benidorm, Spain
8 Win 8–0 Sergei Nikitin TKO 2 (8), 1:02 6 May 2005 Alicante, Spain
7 Win 7–0 Frederic Bonifai TKO 2 (8), 2:45 4 Mar 2005 León, Spain
6 Win 6–0 Nikolai Mihailov TKO 4 (6), 2:44 4 Feb 2005 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
5 Win 5–0 Julio Vargas TKO 4 (6), 0:11 19 Nov 2004 Torrevieja, Spain
4 Win 4–0 Juan Garcia Martin TKO 3 (6), 2:59 15 Oct 2004 Madrid, Spain
3 Win 3–0 Cristiano Andres Oliveira KO 1 (4), 2:39 10 Sep 2004 Madrid, Spain
2 Win 2–0 Irimiea Ion TKO 3 (4), 1:13 24 Jul 2004 Benidorm, Spain
1 Win 1–0 David Casero TKO 3 (4), 2:14 11 Jun 2004 La Cubierta, Leganés, Spain

See also

References
  1. Boxrec. "Martinez confident of upsetting Dunne". RTÉ. Archived from the original on 11 January 2008. Retrieved 13 July 2007.
  2. Boxing record for Kiko Martínez from BoxRec (registration required). Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  3. Terry Dooley. "Bernard Dunne done over in a single round by Kiko Martinez". British Boxing News. Archived from the original on 18 July 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  4. "Dunne Demolished by Martinez". British Boxing News. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  5. Steve Bunce (27 August 2007). "Martinez cashes in with rapid win". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 24 December 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  6. Kevin Reardon. "Kiko Stuns Dublin Crowd". Costa Blanca Leader. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  7. Graham Houston. "KIKO MARTINEZ KO1 BERNARD DUNNE". Fight Righter. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  8. Derek Bilton. "WADE INTO WAYNE'S WORLD". Betting Zone. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  9. "Wayne blows his top". Belfast Telegraph. Archived from the original on 3 January 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  10. "McCullough's comeback bout is off". BBC. 30 November 2007. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  11. "Classy Munroe holds off Martínez". BBC. 8 March 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2008.
  12. GMT (9 February 2013). "Carl Frampton stops Kiko Martínez to win European title". BBC. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Preceded by
Salem Bouaita
 European Union
super-bantamweight champion
10 March 2006 – March 2007
Vacated		 Vacant
Title next held by
Salem Bouaita
Preceded by European
super-bantamweight champion
25 August 2007 – 7 March 2008		 Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Wilfredo Vázquez Jr. 		WBO Latino
super-bantamweight champion
Interim title
16 April 2010 – September 2010
Vacated		 Vacant
Title next held by
Alex De Oliveira
Vacant
Title last held by
Rendall Munroe 		European
super-bantamweight champion
11 September 2010 – November 2010
Vacated		 Vacant
Title next held by
Willie Casey
Vacant
Title last held by
Willie Casey 		European
super-bantamweight champion
15 April 2011 – 9 February 2013		 Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Lucas Antonio Carranza 		WBC Latino
super-bantamweight champion
27 April 2013 – August 2013
Vacated		 Succeeded by
Luis Emanuel Cusolito
promoted from interim status
Preceded by
Marc Vidal
 European featherweight champion
27 October 2018 – April 2019
vacated		 Vacant
Title next held by
Andoni Gago
Preceded by European featherweight champion
29 October 2022 – present		 Incumbent
World boxing titles
Preceded by IBF super-bantamweight champion
17 August 2013 – 6 September 2014		 Succeeded by
Carl Frampton
Preceded by IBF featherweight champion
13 November 2021 – 26 March 2022		 Succeeded by
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