By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
If the fight between Del Rio’s Jesus “Panterita” Martinez and Cornellio Phipps is any indication, the future of USA Boxing is going to be strong for years to come.
In a fight that was too close to call for many watching, Martinez tasted defeat at the hands of Phipps via split decision in the championship bout of the USA Boxing National Championships Youth Male 125-pound division.
Neither fighter completely dominated the other. Both Martinez and Phipps came into the fight as multi-time national champions and both had fought in the same tournaments multiple times but at different weight classes.
Their championship fight on Saturday night from the Shreveport Convention Center in Shreveport, La., had all the makings of a classic from the ring announcer’s booming voice introducing both fighters to the title belt that awaited the winner.
Both fighters came out in the first round cautious, but one Phipps landed the first punch they both threw caution to the wind and looked to impress the five judges at ringside.
Phipps’ first connected punch was quickly answered by Martinez. Phipps would later stun Martinez with a left and that put Martinez on the defensive for a bit. The Del Rio fighter would recover and popped Phipps with a quick punch as he surged in for a combo near the end of the first round.
Martinez took control in the second round, sticking to what had worked for him throughout this tournament. He slid and avoided Phipps’ jabs and answered with quick punches that took some of the steam out of the Oxford, Pa., fighter.
A big overhand right by Martinez caught Phipps in the side of the head, and a pair of uppercuts slowed his approach yet again. Towards the end of the second round, Martinez was able to block a Phipps right hand and countered with a left that seemed to show that Martinez had taken the round.
With neither fighter seemingly dominant, they both came out in the third round with one last chance to leave their mark.
Martinez was again able to catch Phipps with an uppercut as he was moving in, but Phipps’ size and reach kept Martinez at bay and often time forced the action, keeping Martinez moving wherever Phipps wanted.
However, Martinez’s speed proved invaluable as he left Phipps swinging wildly at air at times. Another stiff jab and a straight right found their marks on Phipps’ face, but the slightly taller fighter was able to land an overhand right that slowed Martinez a bit.
As soon as the final bell sounded Phipps raised his hands in victory. It proved to be prophetic as he was announced the winner and was awarded the championship belt. Martinez earned a silver medal and apparel for his showing but looked disappointed as he left the ring.
This was 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
