Xavier Martinez defeated Claudio Marrero after a high quota of suffering during his bout this Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut and took the World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight elimination bout.

The American won the cards with 115-111, 114-112 and 114-112 after a tough fight in which he fell twice to the Caribbean but was able to settle for the important win.

The rounds were fairly even and both contenders showed their hunger for a chance at a world title in a hard-fought and entertaining fight. Martinez worked well with his power punches, walked the ring with ease and was able to add up rounds, especially at the beginning.

The most impressive round of the fight was the eighth when Marrero connected a right hand that sent Martinez to the canvas and although he got back up, he was at the mercy of the Dominican, who knocked him back down with a combination. However, Martinez made every effort to survive and managed to finish the round and continue fghting.

At the end, the 22 year old fighter won by decision and kept his undefeated record in 16 fights, 11 won by knockout. Marrero now has a record of 24 wins, 5 losses and 17 knockouts!