Sandor Martín’s impressive performance wasn’t enough to sway the judges in his favor, as Alberto Puello retained the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight title via a divided decision. The scores were 115-113 for Martín, 115-113 for Puello, and 116-112 for the champion. While the fight was a closely contested one, many felt that the decision didn’t entirely reflect the action that unfolded at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The early going was all Martín, who started the fight on fire, showcasing an aggressive brand of boxing that caught many off guard. His defensive skills were on full display, and he was able to score effectively against the formidable Puello. As the fight wore on, however, Martín began to tire, and the two fighters engaged in a thrilling battle at close range, with both men giving it their all in the center of the ring. The first six rounds were a masterclass from Martín, who used his fresh legs to outmaneuver Puello.
As the contest progressed, Puello began to find his footing, particularly in the eighth, ninth, and eleventh rounds, where he showcased the best of his abilities. Despite this, the hitting percentages favored Martín, who demonstrated a more complete style of boxing than his opponent. The result, however, was debatable, and many felt that Martín had done enough to earn the victory.
Unfortunately for Spanish boxing fans, the country will have to wait a little longer for its next world champion. The last Spanish boxer to achieve this feat was Kiko Martínez in 2021. Nevertheless, Sandor Martín’s performance against Puello proved that he belongs among the elite in the Super Lightweight division, and he will undoubtedly have more opportunities to compete for a world title in the future. With this exhibition, Martín has cemented his place as a top contender, and his fans can look forward to many more exciting nights of boxing ahead.