By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Jesus “Panterita” Martinez’s first win was about technique. His second win was all about the power.
With a thunderous right hook, Del Rio’s Martinez knocked out Wilkins Candelario of Newark, N.J., less than one minute into the first round of their quarterfinal bout Thursday night at the 2021 USA Boxing National Championships.
The KO victory sends Martinez to the semifinals of the Youth Male 125-pound weight class. He will next face Troy Nash of Colorado Springs, Co., who defeated Damari Philson of Washington, D.C., via unanimous decision in another quarterfinal bout Thursday.
Nash is the No. 2 ranked fighter in the 125-pound Youth Male division. Martinez is ranked No. 3.
They will fight as part of the 6 p.m. fights Friday night at the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, La. The winner advances to the championship bouts that begin Saturday at 6 p.m.
Fighting out of the red corner, Martinez looked ready to go before the bell even rang. Hopping up and down in his corner, Martinez came out as the aggressor, avoiding Candelario’s jabs and working his way in close.
Despite Candelario’s height advantage, and reach advantage, the New Jersey fighter could not keep up with Martinez’s speed. About 30 seconds into the first round, Martinez slipped another Candelario jab and threw a crushing right hook that sent the fighter from the blue corner back-first, straight to the mat.
Candelario was able to get on all fours, but was never able to stand up before the referee’s 10-count. Candelario was checked by the doctor at ringside for several minutes after the fight, but was eventually able to join Martinez in the center of the ring where the Del Rioan’s hand was raised in victory.
This was Martinez’s second win in three days. He won his first fight Tuesday by unanimous decision over Michael Gaudreau of Fall River, Ma. Candelario was on his third fight in four days. He beat Gabriel Saldivar Monday, and then followed that with a win over No. 6 ranked Jose Contreras on Tuesday.
This is Martinez’s first tournament since July when he won the Junior Male 125-pound weight class championship at the 2021 USA Boxing National Junior Olympics in Lubbock for his 14th national championship. At that event, Martinez won four fights in four days, three via unanimous decision and one by technical knockout.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
