Last month, Sergio Martinez told reporters that his goal was to secure a world title opportunity against WBA "regular" middleweight champion Ryota Murata.

On August 21, the 45-year-old Martinez (52-3-2, 29 KOs) entered the ring for the first time in over six years. The last time he saw action, in 2014, he was knocked out by Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Not long after that loss, Martinez retired due to numerous injuries - with the most serious being to his knees.

In his ring return, which took place in Spain, Martinez dominated and stopped overmatched foe Jose Fandino in seven rounds.

Martinez claims the issues with his knees were resolved some time ago, although he did wear a precautionary brace in his return.

Before the contest took place, Martinez explained that World Boxing Association President Gilberto Mendoza promised him a future world title shot at Murata - if the veteran boxer continued his comeback path with a few more wins.

Murata's American promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, is receptive to the contest.

Martinez, a former world champion at junior middleweight and middleweight, is now officially on the road to that contest.

On Tuesday, the World Boxing Association released their monthly rankings and Martinez has already cracked the top ten. The boxer now sits in the number six position. 

Martinez expects to be ready in a few more fights.

"This is the beginning of something very beautiful: I won't stop until the world title. I've learned to enjoy the road. I have in mind to continue doing a few more fights. I need to consolidate here to feel ready to face Murata. From this point to four fights," Martinez said.