When Mbilli threw, though, he was the more accurate puncher, making this a near impossible fight to score. And remarkably, in the eighth round, the pair were throwing as hard and often as they did in the first, with Mbilli apparently edging it until Martinez roared back and made it close to call.
With two rounds to go, Martinez made his move, and Mbilli looked weary after the onslaught from Martinez in the ninth. But as the final round began, the Cameroon native was right back in Martinez’ face, pushing him to the ropes while firing off combinations. Martinez, as usual, fired back with both hands, giving the fans in the stadium and watching at home something they won’t forget anytime soon.
Mbilli moves to 29-0-1 with 24 KOs, Martinez to 19-0-1 with 16 KOs.