Russell Jr. is a cut above Kiko

At Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, the World Boxing Council Featherweight Champion, Gary Russell Jr. (30-1, 18 KOs) chopped and cut Spanish Kiko Martinez ( 39-9-2, 28 knockouts) for a fifth round TKO.

From the beginning Gary and Kiko were throwing power shots, but the champion showed markedly greater power, finesses and accuracy, connecting constantly and hard to the head of the Spaniard who found it difficult to weather or effectively counter attack.

In the fifth Russell again punished the left eyebrow of Martinez, which had opened in the second and bled profusely since. Referee Ricky Gonzalez asked for time out in the fight and called the Doctor , who suggested stopping the fight. The final come at 2:52 minutes of the fifth round.