The bout served as a rematch to their February assembly in the identical venue, which resulted in a controversial cut up draw that many observers believed Martinez had performed sufficient to win.
Cardenas took a extra aggressive method within the rematch, establishing his jab early and urgent ahead whereas Martinez tried to make use of his hand velocity and motion. The Mexican contender landed a proper uppercut within the third spherical as Martinez closed the gap, although the Phoenix native answered with proper arms of his personal.
Between rounds, coach Robert Garcia urged Cardenas to maintain his gloves excessive as Martinez regarded to range his assault by mixing in physique pictures and utilizing his jab to create openings.
Each fighters landed in the course of the fifth and sixth rounds because the tempo picked up in a number of exchanges. Martinez confirmed indicators of fatigue within the seventh, whereas Cardenas continued to work behind his jab and apply strain.
The tempo slowed barely within the eighth earlier than Cardenas completed strongly over the ultimate two rounds. Martinez tried to rally within the ninth however was warned for a punch to the again of the pinnacle. Within the tenth, Martinez elevated his output in an effort to shut the battle on a excessive be aware, whereas Cardenas responded with a number of clear proper arms of his personal.
After the ultimate bell, the 2 fighters embraced at heart ring earlier than Martinez applauded his opponent because the scorecards had been learn.
The victory allowed Cardenas to retain his regional title and erase any lingering doubts stemming from the disputed end in February. For Martinez, the defeat marked the primary setback of his profession after the Arizona native had entered the rematch with momentum following his efficiency of their first assembly.
