Martirosyan knocks out Ochoa in tune-up fight

PanARMENIAN.Net - WBO #1 middleweight contender Gennady Martirosyan (22-2, 11 KOs) got what he needed in a tune-up fight against Argentinean journeyman Valentin Antonio Ochoa (20-19-5, 8 KOs), which took place at the “Typhoon” sport club in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Martirosyan’s manager Alexander Yagupov revealed earlier that a clash against the South American would be a nice preparation for a possible title shot at the champion Dmitry Pirog (18-0, 14 KOs), also of Russia, if Martirosyan got some rounds for a hard work.

Ochoa, despite his subpar record, provided Martirosyan with some quality work to do. He bobbed and weaved under Gennady’s pressure, took his punch well and tried to retaliate. Martirosyan, 31, clearly dominated the contest but was unable to score any knockdowns. In round six, however, he started to deliver more and more punishment to Ochoa, which resulted in a deep cut over the eye of the Argentinean. The fight was halted due to this cut later in the same round, with Martirosyan announced the winner, boxingscene.com reported.