PHOENIX – Every so often, what you know eventually draws the attention of who you’d like to get to know better.
Jordan Martinez told anyone who would listen that he was treating his February 28 fight versus Arturo Cardenas as an audition to draw the attention of any major promoter. His impressive 10-round draw with Cardenas, a Robert Garcia-trained prospect, left a lasting effect on Matchroom Boxing, which signed Phoenix native Martinez to a promotional deal shortly after the fighters’ clash in nearby Glendale.
The thrilling junior featherweight clash between Martinez, 16-0-1 (15 KOs), and Cardenas, 17-0-2 (9 KOs), came in support of Emanuel Navarrete’s unifying two 130lbs titles in a belt-to-ass performance versus countryman Eduardo Nunez at the Desert Diamond Arena. Martinez’s near-upset win over Cardenas in the DAZN opener was arguably the fight of the night. It clearly resonated with the crowd, which rallied behind the charismatic Martinez from the moment he was introduced for his ring walk.
Ten rounds later, he drew raucous applause – both before and after the split draw was announced. The fans in attendance vociferously booed the verdict but were brought back to cheers as Martinez mounted the corner post in a salute to his adoring Phoenicians (and those who traveled from elsewhere).
“The crowd knows who won,” Martinez said after the fight. “I really want the rematch, but that’s up to Eddie [Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport] if he wants to give it to me or not. I know I’ll do even better next time.”
As luck would have it, Hearn wanted it after all.
“Opportunity taken,” Matchroom stated in confirming the signing. “After a thrilling performance in Arizona, ‘El Moreno’ Jordan Martinez signs with Matchroom Boxing. All roads lead to a massive rematch with new [promotional] stablemate Arturo Cardenas.”
The signing provides a sense of stability for Martinez, who is coming up on his fourth full year in the pros. The 23-year-old Martinez is a father to six children and works feverishly in and out of the ring to provide for his family.
It took mere seconds to accept an offer to fight on the Matchroom card, even if it was far removed from the typical showcase normally afforded local fighters. Cardenas knew he was matched tough, but Martinez – who is promoted locally by Iron Boy Combat Sports and fights out of Fuentes Boxing Gym in Phoenix – firmly believed his opponent and the team had no clue what they were walking into.
“I didn’t care who I fought,” Martinez told BoxingScene at the time. “This is the chance to prove myself. There are only a few world champions to come from Arizona, and especially Phoenix. David Benavidez is the only one we got now, and I hope to add my name to that list very soon.”
A win over Cardenas in their aggressively targeted rematch would go a long way towards achieving that goal.
“We got this deal with Matchroom,” stated Martinez. “Now that we’re signed with them, we’re ready to work three times, four times, five times harder. Let’s get ready for this rematch coming soon.”
