UNDEFEATED Lester Martinez is homing in on a shot at super-middleweight gold. While the 29-year-old has been forced to pull out of his fight at the last minute, he may be inching closer to a world title shot.
Guatemala’s Martinez, 19-0 (16 KOs), boasted an impressive amateur pedigree ahead of his professional debut in 2019. The San Benito-born sensation has lived up to expectations while climbing to the peak of the sport.
Fighting in his home nation, as well as Mexico and the United States, Martinez has become a two-time WBC Latino super-middleweight champion, overcoming former IBO super-middleweight world champion Carlos Gongora last year in a career-best victory.
Now, Martinez is ranked in the top 15 with three of the four sanctioning bodies, positioned as high as #3 with the WBA (#9 WBC & #15 WBO). Lester has been sparring with the likes of Terence Crawford – a testament to the regard in which Martinez is held.
Yet, he is still in need of that breakthrough win that truly convinces fans that he can be a threat to the top table at 168lbs.
This Saturday, Martinez was scheduled to take on France’s Pierre Hubert Dibombe, 22-2-1 (12 KOs), in the main event of a Pro Box TV card in Fresno, California. However, it was revealed on social media yesterday that Martinez has withdrawn due to migraines.
Just 12 hours later, Saudi powerhouse and current boxing catalyst Turki Al-Alshikh has floated the idea of staging a showdown between Martinez and reigning WBC Interim champion Christian Mbilli, 29-0 (24 KOs), on X.
Mbilli has been linked to an appearance on the Canelo-Crawford undercard, where he eyes up a shot at the victor and the undisputed title, whilst the selection of Martinez as his opponent makes sense considering his sparring partner is in the main event.
As for this Saturday’s Pro Box bill, Mexican super-welterweight Vladimir Hernandez, 17-6 (7 KOs), will instead headline against Argentina’s Francisco Veron, 14-1-1 (10 KOs).
