CANASTOTA, NY - The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today reigning middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez will attend festivities planned for the 22nd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 9-12th.

 

While in Canastota, Martinez will conduct two public workout sessions – Friday, June 10th and Saturday, June 11th at 1 p.m. - on the grounds of the Hall of Fame Museum.

 

“Sergio Martinez is a charismatic fighter who has become a true superstar in boxing,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We’re looking forward to welcoming him back to Canastota.”

 

SERGIO "MARAVILLA" MARTINEZ

  

The fighting pride of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Martinez turned pro in 1997 and is now based out of Oxnard, CA.  In 2008 he stopped Alex Bunema to capture the WBC light middleweight championship. Following a draw with Kermit Cintron in his first title defense, he lost a closely contested 12-round war with Paul “The Punisher” Williams in one of the leading contenders for 2009 “Fight of the Year” honors. On April 17, 2010, he challenged WBC / WBO middleweight king Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik in Atlantic City and captured the titles with a unanimous 12-round decision. Last November, Martinez dramatically stopped Paul Williams in two rounds of their rematch to earn 2010 “Knockout of the Year” honors from ESPN and most recently stopped Sergiy Dzinziruk in eight rounds. His pro record stands at 47-2-2 (26 KOs). Martinez, who was named 2010’s “Fighter of the Year” by ESPN and the Boxing Writers Association of America, will be accompanied to Canastota by trainer Pablo Sarmiento and advisor Sampson Lewkowicz.

 

Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, Mexican Fiesta Night, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2011. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 12th are three-division champion Julio Cesar Chavez (Mexico), junior welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu (Russia / Australia), heavyweight champion Mike Tyson (USA), trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain (Mexico), referee Joe Cortez (USA) and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone (USA).  Posthumous inductees will also be honored. An impressive list of over 40 boxing greats from the United States and abroad are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.