Sandor Martin Makes Name For Himself In Majority Decision Win Vs. Mikey Garcia
Despite some boxing critics calling Saturday’s Mikey Garcia versus Sandor Martin a lackluster fight, it meant everything and more for Martin.
Martin (39-2, 13 KOs) pulled off a majority decision upset win over Garcia (40-2, 30 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight fight. Garcia was the favorite – and most recognizable name – in the matchup, many fans said they didn’t even know who Martin was.
But now they do.
“It’s the biggest moment of my career,” Martin said. “I always said I would [school Mikey Garcia], and I’ve done it. I know myself; I know my capabilities. I’ve been [boxing] since I was five years old.”
“I said I was going to go out and do this and beat the best fighters in the world, and that’s what I’ve done.”
Judge Zachary Young scored the fight 95-95, but was overruled by Carla Caiz and Fernando Villareal who had 97-93 a piece for Martin.
The two boxers spent the first round figuring out one another. Fans said one of the most dramatic moments of the fight was when the lights momentarily went out at the start of the second round.
I’m extremely frustrated with #GarciaMartin. This fight is pissing me off. #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) October 17, 2021
Martin got a cut over his right eye in the fifth round while Garcia ran into counter right hooks from his opponent.
In Round 8, Martin caught Garcia off guard with a left hand that made him stumble, looking like he was going to hit the mat.
At this point, many boxing critics had Martin winning the fight. Garcia tried to overturn the verdict by unleashing on his opponent, pinning him to the ropes, in the 10th and final round.
But it wasn’t enough to change the outcome, according to judges, as Martin won via majority decision and jumped in joy.
Martin got $150,000 from the fight while Garcia’s purse was $1.5 million.
Garcia – who has won world titles at featherweight, junior lightweight, lightweight and junior welterweight – was in talks go toe-to-toe with former WBA light welterweight and WBC interim light welterweight champion Regis Prograis, but he said that’s not happening anymore after the American boxer’s loss.
Mikey not gonna fight me. That ship is sailing away round by round. #GarciaMartin
— Rougarou (@RPrograis) October 17, 2021
“I thought it was a good fight. He fought a very good fight,” Garcia said after the loss. “I thought I did the necessary to close the gap, putting the pressure, looking for the fight. He was the one moving, running around a lot.”