Steve Martinez

So now we're in 2012 time to look at fighters who will be making an impact this year and to start with we are looking at very talented American Steve Martinez (11-0, 9). Martinez is a 21 year old Light Middleweight prospect from the tough streets of the Bronx in New York and is expected to make a real mark in the next few years, though could well be on the fringes by the end of this year.

Martinez first came to the attention of boxing fans back in 2008 when he would win the National Golden Gloves (at 152lbs) by beating Sammy Vasquez in the final. The teenager however was already well established as an amateur before the national success with prior victories in the New York Golden Gloves and a growing reputation as one of the USA's elite amateurs.

In 2009 Martinez would turn professional and defeat Keith Collins in just 135 seconds before soon adding 2 more quick wins to move to 3-0 (3) by the end of the year. Despite being just a teenager he was quickly getting attention and through 2010 he continued to rip through opponents as he advanced to 7-0 (6) by the end of the year. Whilst he wasn't facing anyone of note he was showing a lot of promise and it seemed only a matter of time before he would step up a level or two and face real tests for the first time.

In Martinez's first test of 2011 he defeated the experienced Ishwar Amador in just a round before being taken a 4 schedule by Eric Marriott. It was the year ending victory over Jay Krupp that really helped put Martinez on the map as a professional as he moved to 11-0 (9) and started to get attention to go with his talented. To start 2012 off Martinez will be in his toughest test to date as he faces Denis Douglin (13-1, 8) as part of an ESPN2 Friday Night Fight card. A win should see Martinez given more another tough test later this year before moving on to bigger and better things in one of boxing's most under-rated divisions.