The small border town of Del Rio, population 35,000, is home to one of if not the brightest prospect in boxing. Jesus "Panterita" Martinez compiled a 137-9 amateur record and captured 13 national titles and an international crown as well. He is now 1-0 as a professional after putting on a sensational performance and capturing a unanimous decision in his pro debut this past Friday in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Panterita, called it a dream come true to be able to work with his manager Joe Calzaghe, a two-division world champ who compiled a 46-0 (32) record and was one of Pantierita's all-time favorite fighters. After seeing the south Texan's incredible performance. It's fair to say Panterita is a dream come true for Calzaghe as well. The former world champ teamed up with a fellow world title holder Darren Barker to form International Sports Group, and The 17-year-old from Del Rio is the prized jewel. The Texan was known in the amateurs for his tremendous punching power. In his pro debut, he showed tremendous power. Additionally, he displayed poise and ring generalship. After hurting his opponent, Daniel Nunez Gomez, early in the first round. He stayed on top of his wounded opponent and scored with another right and then another that dropped Nunez Gomez. Pantierita was able to hurt his overmatched opponent every time he landed the right hand. However, the determined Nunez Gomez was able to make it through the first round.
Martinez, who came out aggressively in the opening stanza, didn't get overly excited and settled down and controlled the remainder of the bout. Working behind an educated jab and mixing up levels, Martinez showed a bit of everything. Landing left hooks that stunned Nunez Gomez and mixed in body shots that wore his opponent down. He set up his punches perfectly and would sneak in right hands that would snap back the head of his opponent. Nunez Gomez, an MMA fighter, showed rugged determination in making it to the final bell. However, the decision was academic as Martinez secured a unanimous decision in his first pro fight by scores of 40-35 X2 and 40-36