The power of Santa Cruz prevailed over the courage of Martínez

Mexican boxer Léo Santa Cruz made good the odds, defeating Spanish Kiko Martínez by technical knockout in the fifth round and retained the title of featherweight champion, World Boxing Association (WBA) version.
The fight, played at the Honda Center in Anaheim (California), in front of an attendance of 7,780 spectators, was a demonstration of the power of the 27-year-old Santa Cruz, who made his first defense of the title, and of the courage that the former champion put forth. Spanish.
Both fighters kept their promises and gave a great boxing show by giving themselves completely since the campaign rang out.
The Spanish fighter attacked relentlessly, but neglected his defense, and against a rival of the characteristics of Santa Cruz, he signed his defeat almost before entering the ring.
As he received punishment and his physical strength diminished, Martinez also moved away from the possibility of achieving victory.
Martinez, 29, went to the canvas twice in the first round after receiving a right hand from Santa Cruz, and then a combination of punches, notably the hooks with both hands and the right.
But Martinez did not change his strategy in the second round and put more pressure on Santa Cruz, but again he went to the canvas.
The third round was marked by a pure exchange of blows by both fighters and at the end Santa Cruz had his face as red as that of the Spaniard.
In the fourth period, Santa Cruz used more his direct left to try to keep Martínez at a distance and managed to stop the Spanish fighter from connecting him as often.
Everything began to turn in favor of Santa Cruz and the fifth round came when the Mexican champion cornered Martínez in his own corner and did not stop hitting him with both hands.
The referee of the fight Raúl Caíz Jr. decided to end an unnecessary punishment that the former Spanish champion was receiving.
«It was a real war. I was tired, but I had to finish the fight, “said Santa Cruz.
The victory left Santa Cruz with a record of 32-0-1, 18 wins via knockout, while Martinez lowered his mark to 35-7 and 26 wins achieved via fast track.