Kiko Martinez
| Kiko Martínez | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Francisco Martínez Sánchez |
| Nickname(s) | La Sensación ("The Sensation") |
| Rated at | |
| Height | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) |
| Reach | 168 cm (66 in) |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Born |
7 March 1986 Elche, Baix Vinalopó, Alicante, Spain |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 44 |
| Wins | 36 |
| Wins by KO | 26 |
| Losses | 7 |
| Draws | 1 |
Francisco "Kiko" Martínez Sánchez (born 7 March 1986) is a Spanish professional boxer. He held the IBF super-bantamweight title from 2013 to 2014, and the European super-bantamweight title three times between 2007 and 2013.
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".
Martínez turned professional on 11 June 2004, defeating David Casero by knockout in the third round on a card that included Javier Castillejo.
Martínez went on to win all of his first 11 fights with each victory coming via a knockout within four rounds.
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.
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 bit I'm 5 foot 4 inches of a headache for him".
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.
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