Fitial topples Martinez, snares PXC heavy title

MANILA, Philippines - Saipan pride Kelvin Fitial outboxed and outlasted former three-time champion Roque Martinez of Guam to emerge the new heavyweight titlist even as Fil-Am Harris Sarmiento overpowered Alex Castro also of Guam to line himself up for a crack at the lightweight crown in the Pacific Xtreme Combat 24 at Resorts World’s Newport Performing Arts Theater Saturday night.

Fitial unleashed a barrage of heavy-handed strikes and haymakers to stop Martinez in the 4.54-minute mark of the fourth of a five-round title fight, crowning himself the new heavyweight king while ending the three-year reign of Roque. It was Fitial’s 11th win against six losses and two draws.

“I’ve been dreaming about this belt all my life,” said the 27-year-old Fitial, who also won the Art of War and Marianas Open. “That’s why when I got the opportunity, I didn’t let up and just grounded and pounded my way to this most important victory of my life.”

It was also the sweetest as it came six months after a controversial draw against Martinez in another title fight in Saipan.

“Everybody knows that I should have won our first match but it ended in a controversial draw. That’s why I came here to finally end the debate and beat him, which I did,” said Fitial. “I know that if I just keep the pressure he would have a hard time lasting for five rounds the way he did in our last fight.”

The game plan worked for Fitial as Martinez, who took his fourth loss against five wins and a draw, appeared to have lost steam to make the full, five-game route of the event backed by Smart, San Mig Strong Ice, AKTV and Resorts World Manila and aired over TV5’s AKTV on IBC 13.

Sarmiento, whose victories include the Superbrawl, Rumble on the Rock and the International Fight Boxing League, showed too much power to carve out a unanimous decision win over Castro in their lightweight bout that impressed the big weekend crowd.