Olympic alternate Javier Martinez wins shutout in hard-fought pro debut
Amateur standout Javier Martinez was successful in his pro debut Tuesday night, defeating Jonathan Burrs by unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
All three judges scored the bout 40-36 in favor of Martinez.
The southpaw Martinez, who signed a lucrative multi-fight deal with Top Rank last month, was USA Boxing’s top-rated fighter at 165 pounds. After winning the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials, USA Boxing surprisingly selected Martinez to be an alternate on the team. Instead, Martinez decided to turn pro.
Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank
The 24-year-old did not have trainer Javier Capetillo in his corner for his pro debut Tuesday night. Capetillo recently tested positive for COVID-19.
The southpaw Martinez, who was born in Mexico and now resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, landed the more-telling punches throughout much of the fight, although Burrs was game. Burrs attempted to time Martinez with straight right hands to the head, finding some success.
Martinez seemed to momentarily wobble Burrs with a counter right hook to the head of Burrs right as the bell sounded to the end round 3, but was not able to capitalize. Burrs continued to stay in the pocket to trade with Martinez in round 4.
Burrs, from Frederick, Maryland, drops to 2-2.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October of 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing
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