Martin Rogan vs. Sam Sexton results: Sexton wins 7th round stoppage

#41 Martin Rogan vs. #12 Sam Sexton

Rogan, who lost a controversial stoppage against Sexton month ago, looks to redeem himself and continue his unlikely run up the heavyweight boxing rankings. Sexton will attempt to jump into the top ten in next month's rankings with a win.

Sexton showed better technical skills last time out than Rogan, but Rogan had more heart and a stronger chin than the younger fighter. Sexton had to stall, spitting out his mouth guard, to avoid getting KOed while Rogan let Sexton off the hook when Sexton appeared unsteady on his feet. Rogan's face took a lot of punishment, though, and it's that which led to the stoppage when Rogan's eye was too swollen. The fight was stopped and a rematch ordered.

Sexton is just 25 while Rogan is 38; both have about the same amount of ring experience, both at 12-1. Rogan has fought much better competition, however, beating Audley Harrison and Matt Skelton before fighting Sexton. Rogan is by far Sexton's best opponent. Both fighters won a separate version of the Prizefighter heavyweight boxing tournament.

Round by Round scoring:

1. Rogan comes out aggressive, trying to scor in the clinch. Sexton is cautious. Rogan throws a wild punch and slips to the canvas, no knockdown. Rogan chasing Sexton, who throws a strong combination. Sexton keeping Rogan in the clinch when close; ref warns both of them. Overall Sexton fought a better round, Rogan was a bit careless though he was the agressor. Sexton 10-9.
2. Rogan keeping more distance to star the 2nd round, but quickly closes in. Sexton being calm, waiting for openings, not being flustered by Rogan's tactics. Rogan going to the body a lot in the clinch. Rogan did a bit more this round, but Sexton's plan looks better at this point. Rogan 10-9, overall: 19-19
3. Sexton waiting for Rogan and countering, again clinching whenever Rogan closes. Rogan misses with a huge right. Rogan continues stalking. Sexton jabbing. More clinching, body shots. Sexton fires back some big shots, Rogan clinches. Round was all Rogan until the final 1/2 minute when Rogan got rocked. 10-10, overall 29-29
4. Slower fourth round so far one minute in. Rogan a bit less agressive. Rogan tees off close in, Sexton covers well. Sexton preserving his energy well; fighters exchange blows close in. Rogan 10-9, Overall: Rogan 39-38
5. Rogan connects well, warned by ref about hitting back of head in clinch. Rogan going for kill, Sexton weathers the storm, comes back strong with straight jabs. Sexton warned by ref for headbutts. Rogan has cut over eye from headbutt. Exciting round, Rogan chasing Sexton, pro-Rogan crowd cheering. Rogan using a lot of energy pounding away at Sexton. Rogan 10-9; Overall Rogan 49-47.
6. Sexton looks recovered, jabbing and punching well, htting Rogan, who fires back. Sexton jabbing well, Rogan missing long shots. Rogan tired from last round. Sexton controlling the round. Rogan fires back but he's very tired now, taking lots of shots. Big round for Sexton, almost a 10-8 but not quite. 10-9, Overall Rogan 58-57.

Rogan's corner has stopped the fight, Sexton is the winner. Kind of shocking, but Rogan did look completely burned out in the final round. Rogan had a "damaged left arm" according to the announcement which forced his retirement.

With the win Sexton will jump into the top ten; it will be interesting to see what he can do against other top heavyweights, as he seems very easy to put into a bad spot.

Rogan's climb would seem to be over with his second loss in a row at age 38. If he had won the first fight—which he should have—he would have had a really big fight in store, but now it's questionable whether he'll continue.