Scotland’s Ricky Burns inflicted Roman “Rocky” Martinez’s first defeat to claim the WBO featherweight title at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow on Saturday Night.
Burns improves to 29-2-0 after controlling most of the fight.
Despite being down in the first, Burns landed almost twice as many punches at the previously unbeaten Puerto Rican to claim a unanimous decision.
After the first-round knockdown, Martinez (24-1-0) seemed to lose his game plan. He threw wild punches hoping to stop the fight early and take the title back to Puerto Rico.
Ricky Burns
Burns had the home crowd in raptures by almost knocking Martinez down for the first time in his career on more than one occasion.
However, the home fighter had to cover up himself a few times after a couple of power punches from the former champ.
The three judges at ringside scored the contest 115-112, 115-112, 115-113 to make Ricky Burns the WBO Featherweight Champion.
Their new ruler sent the home fans home ecstatic.
Undercard results:
Fellow Scot John Simpson lost a split decision against Liverpool’s Stephen Smith.
Scores read 116-112 and 116-114 to Smith. Scotland’s Victor Loughlin gave it to Simpson 116-114.
With the victory, Smith improves to 11-0.
Also on the bill, Alex Arthur defended his Commonwealth Boxing Council featherweight title with an eight-round points win over Peter McDonagh.
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