This was a unmotivated Martinez that seemed to have been going through the motions and lacked the killer instinct to make fireworks. Maybe he took Barker a little lightly than he should have? I can certainly say Martinez wasn't anywhere near his best, he seemed happy to cruise through the rounds and box. He looked a little lethargic at times and disorientated in there.
No discredit to Barker or anything, he done a good job and was tactically spot on. The fight reminded me of Pacquiao - Clottey to be honest (negative). Martinez just didn't have the urge to hit top gear, nore did he need to (he knew Barker didn't possess the pop to hurt him).
Martinez has fought top opposition in his last 5 fights so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he had an off night - and plenty of top boxers have them.
He needs to fight a live opponent next, possibly Pirog, Lee, Govotkin. Martinez will be motivated and it'll certainly bring the best out of him.
No discredit to Barker or anything, he done a good job and was tactically spot on. The fight reminded me of Pacquiao - Clottey to be honest (negative). Martinez just didn't have the urge to hit top gear, nore did he need to (he knew Barker didn't possess the pop to hurt him).
Martinez has fought top opposition in his last 5 fights so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he had an off night - and plenty of top boxers have them.
He needs to fight a live opponent next, possibly Pirog, Lee, Govotkin. Martinez will be motivated and it'll certainly bring the best out of him.
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