Torrelavega, Spain - Former two division world champion Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez (53-3-2) overcame a tough opponent in Finn contender Jussi Koivula (24-8-1) and won on a TKO in the ninth round.
The Finn was cut over the left eye in the eighth and as the ninth round began the referee called for a time out and the ringside physician waved it over almost without looking at the injury.
"Maravilla" must have been well ahead on points at the time of the stoppage but Koivula put up a good fight and made Martinez work hard for the win. The fight was made at middleweight and was scheduled for ten.
Just like the comebacking Felix Sturm, the 45-year old Martinez has loads of experience, is in excellent shape but isn't what he once was.
Reigning EBU middleweight champ Sergio "El Nino" Garcia (33-0) stopped late sub Gregory Trenel (12-6-2) in the sixth of a non title ten rounder. Garcia couldn't hurt his tough opponent but landed almost at will when the referee stepped in and stopped the fight. Trenel came in a few days notice when Andranik Hakobyan pulled out due to an injury.
Swedish light heavyweight Oscar Ahlin (20-2) knocked out Czech journeyman Ondrey Budera (13-20-1) in the sixth. Budera covered up well but Ahlin found a home for his left hook to the body and the Czech turned away, sat down and was counted out. It was scheduled for eight and Budera was a late sub for Ralfs Vilcans.
Norwegian super featherweight Bernard Torres (13-0) won a split decision after eight hard fought rounds against Costin Ion (8-3-2).
