Nicky Cook has lost his world title to Roman Martinez after being knocked out in four rounds at the MEN Arena.
Martinez takes world title with shock fourth-round finish
Nicky Cook's reign as world champion has ended in his very first defence.
The WBO super-featherweight title now belongs to Puerto Rica's Roman Martinez after a devastating knockout after four rounds at the MEN Arena.
Cook was floored by a vicious left uppercut and just made the 10 count but was straight back in trouble and was sent sprawling face-first to the canvas by a hammering left hook.
He made it up again but referee Dave Parris waved the fight to a halt with 40 seconds of the round remaining - despite the Dagenham man's vehement protests.
It was no surprise that it was called off, but it was a stunning end to a fight that had been, for the champion, going to plan.
Cook made a confident start, clearly bulkier than the challenger who had looked drained at the weigh-in but still had considerable height and reach advantage.
Trademark
Martinez made that count with a straight right in the first meaningful action of the opening round but by the time the bell had sounded the champion had found his range with his trademark, short, clubbing hooks - mainly to the body.
The visitor though, did land at the end of the session with another right over the top, but there was little sign of things to come.
The second round saw Cook really establish himself. Tempted by a static target, he produced a sweet right uppercut in close but also realised he could pepper Martinez's head with a stiff jab.
Having teed it up, with 40 seconds of the round remaning he nailed a left to the ribs, switched quicly to the head and had his man in trouble, stumbling backwards into the ropes.
To Martinez's credit he didn't touch down and there was no count and before Cook could close in and finish the job, the bell had sounded.
The third round followed suit with the champion on top, continuing to do damage with the hooks, a right-left-right rattling Martinez as Cook, looking bronzed and bristling after a Tenerife training camp, warmed to the task. By the time the third was over, he seemed well on the way to a successful defence.
Jarred
But something that was said in Matinez's corner in the break did the job. He came out looking a different prospect, perhaps realising his chance was slipping away.
He closed the gap on Cook, whose jab disappeared, and was willing to engage in exchanges at least.
Even then, it was the Englishman who came out on top, working body and head and at worst, wearing down Martinez's defence.
So when the end came, few inside the MEN, never mind the ring, were expecting it.
It was Cook coming forward only to be jarred by a perfect left uppercut, which sent him toppling face-first to the floor. Groggily he beat the count, just, and a quick glance to the corner suggested his head was clear.
Cook should have held on and tied Martinez up, but instead opted for offense has his best form of defence. It was anything but and within three punches, he had been clubbed round the ear by a searing left hook and he was down again.
He was up before 10 but clearly unsteady and although he protested in fury, he had little cause for complaint when it was called off, ending his reign in the ring as a world champion at precisely 11 minutes and 20 seconds.
