Middleweight Boxer's Win Dedicated to Middletown Teen

Middletown teen , mother Alycia and grandmother Alexa traveled to New York City’s Madison Square Garden this past weekend to meet her friend and mentor Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez, 37, as he defended the world middleweight championship against Irishman Matthew "Mack the Knife" Macklin on St. Patrick’s Day.

It was a bout that ended with southpaw Martinez claiming victory with a technical knockout in the 11th round, with Macklin’s trainer ending the match.

gave Martinez a birthday present before the fight on Thursday. The Thomas Edison Middle School student, who boxes at the Champions of Life Gym at Nomad's Adventure Quest in South Windsor for the Charter Oak Boxing Academy with Coach Johnny Callas, befriended Martinez more than a year ago, when forced her family to remove her from classes.

Martinez supported Monique with an anti-bullying campaign before his fight with Sergey Dzindziruk last March. The fighter has also supported domestic violence organizations.

“Monique was Sergio's surprise guest,” says Alexa, “a recognition of her part in the boxing world and she presented Sergio an award for his advocacy against bullying.” Martinez dedicated his fight to Monique, a major honor, Alexa says.

Monique became a licensed amateur boxer in December and has been recognized as the youngest representative of the World Boxing Council Cares program.

The HBO video of the Martinez vs. Macklin fight can be viewed Tuesday at midnight.

Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook