Martin defeats DeShong

Saturday, June 28, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

WBC women's lightweight championship, 8 rounds

With the win, Martin is 32-1-2 overall for her career. Again, four straight jabs by Martin land squarely on the face of DeShong to end the fight.

Round 7: The pace is slow. DeShong lands a blow. Martin with strong body work inside. Martin with a few jabs, as she dominates action. DeShong is showing a lot of heart to hang in. Four unanswered jabs by Martin. Referee calls the fight with 17 seconds left in favor of Martin. DeShong isn't too happy about the decision.

Round 6: Martin lands a right hook to the face. Martin's nose is still bloody. Left hook by Martin rocks DeShong. DeShong is fading away and losing energy.

Round 5: DeShong starts off by hanging onto Martin. Pace has slowed. Martin lands a nice right hand. Both fighters are landing punches, but Martin's blows are more powerful. Fighters are dancing around in the middle of the ring.

Round 4: DeShong starts with a body shot, but Martin returns the favor with a harder blow. DeShong lands two hits to the face of Martin. Martin applies great pressure, but DeShong is staying alive with great defense. martin's hard body shots are weakening DeShong. DeShong walked into a shot by Martin. DeShong has a great chin and is taking several blows.

Round 3: Blood streaks down the face of Martin as result of DeShong's blow at the end of round 2. Martin lands a right hook and continues to pressure with jabs and body blows. Martin, with a bloody shirt, is slowing DeShong down with several shots. A fast paced round dominated by Martin. Martin lands a shot to the head to excite the crowd and finish the round.

Round 2: DeShong lands a nice combination to the head, but Martin responds with a series of shots to the body. DeShong with great defense. Martin lands a couple a nice shots and DeShong gets one in as well. Both fighters are going at each other. DeShong lands a hard right to the head of Martin that forces her back. Martin's nose is real bloody.

Round 1: Martin charges DeShong to start the fight. DeShong lands two jabs to the face. Both fighters are very aggressive. They exchange body blows. Martin hands two body shots, but DeShong holds her own. Martin lands two hard right hands to close out the round. First round is very up tempo and action packed.