Kiko Martínez, world champion after knocking out Galahad in Sheffield

Kiko Martínez (43-10-2, 30 KOs) is once again world champion (IBF) after defeating Kid Galahad by KO in the sixth round. The Spaniard connected with a terrible right hand at the end of the fifth round that sent the champion to the canvas. At the start of the sixth, the man from Elche finished off the Briton with another monumental right hand, when he was in charge on the cards. 'The Sensation' returns to reign in boxing eight years later.

Kiko's feat at 35 years of age makes him the second Spanish boxer after Javier Castillejo to be proclaimed world champion in two different categories. "It's been a surprise for everyone but me, because I've lived like a monk for years, training 365 days a year," Martinez said.

The fight began with good deeds from Galahad in the first round, throwing dangerous hooks and changing his guard to confuse his opponent. The champion managed the starting distance very well and Kiko tried to shorten it in the third round, at first with success, but as the round progressed the Englishman landed powerful hands while making the Spaniard miss. The plan of the man from Elche bore more fruit in the fourth act thanks to the pressure that was requested from his corner.

In the fifth round, a volley with the right to the chin, a hammer blow with the right hand after impetuous pressure, sent Galahad to the canvas. The bell saved him. Immediately afterwards, the first blow of the Spaniard in the sixth round, another right hand, struck down the British who was knocked out.

Before Galahad, who was born in Doha, Kiko made his third attempt at the featherweight title, having previously tried against Leo Santa Cruz and Gary Russell, without success. 'The Sensation' had not had very good experiences with the judges before in the UK. This time it was not necessary to reach the cardboard.

Spain had been waiting for a world boxing champion since Joana Pastrana achieved it in 2018. Previously, it was Martínez himself who had reached the highest in the super bantamweight after defeating the Colombian Jonathan Romero in 2013. On that occasion, Torrellano's he managed to make two successful defenses of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt until he fell to Carl Frampton.

In total, only 15 Spaniards in history have been proclaimed world champions. Baltasar Belenguer Hervás opened the way in 1935 and to date only Javier Castillejo had reigned in two different weight categories. Now Kiko Martínez joins this club.