Cardenas earned scores of 100-90, 98-92, and 97-93 to retain his bantamweight title and improve to 18-0-2 (9 KOs). Martinez fell to 16-1-1 (15 KOs), suffering the first defeat of his professional career.
Cardenas took a more aggressive approach in the rematch, establishing his jab early and pressing forward while Martinez attempted to use his hand speed and movement. The Mexican contender landed a right uppercut in the third round as Martinez closed the distance, though the Phoenix native answered with right hands of his own.
Between rounds, trainer Robert Garcia urged Cardenas to keep his gloves high as Martinez looked to vary his attack by mixing in body shots and using his jab to create openings.
Both fighters landed during the fifth and sixth rounds as the pace picked up in several exchanges. Martinez showed signs of fatigue in the seventh, while Cardenas continued to work behind his jab and apply pressure.
The pace slowed slightly in the eighth before Cardenas finished strongly over the final two rounds. Martinez attempted to rally in the ninth but was warned for a punch to the back of the head. In the 10th, Martinez increased his output in an effort to close the fight on a high note, while Cardenas responded with several clean right hands of his own.
After the final bell, the two fighters embraced at center ring before Martinez applauded his opponent as the scorecards were read.
