Martinez kept using his jab, working the body and answering with combinations. Those choices gave him something sustainable beyond the early exchanges. He did not need to match every burst from Plantic (13-1, 10 KOs) with an immediate attempt to finish him.

By the fifth and sixth rounds, the cost of that work was becoming visible. Plantic attacked less frequently and held more, while Martinez (21-0-1, 17 KOs) continued landing the cleaner punches. The challenger’s speed had helped him compete early; it offered less protection once he needed longer breaks between attacks.

Holding bought time without changing the direction of the fight. Martinez kept forcing Plantic to defend, and a heavy hook staggered him as the punishment accumulated.

A knockdown in the tenth preceded the stoppage. Plantic got up, but the referee intervened shortly afterward, drawing a protest from the challenger.

Afterward, Martinez described the defense as an obligation placed before him and expressed his readiness for Alvarez or Mbilli.

The Canelo fight offers the larger commercial reward, but an interim title alone does not make Martinez the opponent Canelo will choose. Mbilli offers unfinished business after their draw. A rematch has a sporting argument without needing Canelo’s involvement, although its title stakes would depend on the October result. Martinez has done more to support his claim; he still needs the opportunity.