Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against McWilliams Arroyo as the chief support to Canelo Alvarez’s defense of his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles on Saturday February 27 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico).

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Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) puts his title on the line for the third time since landing the belt in December 2019 in a thrilling stoppage win over Cristofer Rosales, outpointing Jay Harris in Dallas in February and blasting away Moises Calleros in two rounds in Mexico City in October.

The all-action Mexican is raring to finally face his mandatory challenger Arroyo after having to pull out of a proposed clash with the Puerto Rican through illness in August. It is a huge night for the all-action champion, who turns 26 on Wednesday, as he finally gets to fight as the chief support to his stablemate Alvarez, whom he also shares a trainer and manager in Eddy Reynoso, after illness ruled him out of fighting on his card in December in San Antonio.

“I am so happy to be back in the ring again and I promise you a war with Arroyo in Miami,” said Martinez. “With the unification fights ahead of me, it is important to take care of my mandatory challengers and I expect a tough fight with Arroyo. I believe that 2021 will see me unify the division and become undisputed and I can’t wait put a smile back on boxing fans faces.”

Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) has been ready to pounce on his shot at the title and win a World strap at the third time of asking. The decorated Puerto Rican amateur was edged out via split decision by IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and then fell to pound-for-pound star Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in April 2016 for the WBC and Ring Magazine crowns in California.

The 34 year old ranked at number one in the WBC enters the bout on the back of three wins in 2019 having returned to Flyweight from a brief stint at Super-Fly, and the former World Amateur Champion is determined to end the talented Mexican’s reign in Miami.

“Finally, the fight is near, and I am sure the fans will enjoy another classic between Mexico and Puerto Rico,” said Arroyo.

“This will be another great classic between Puerto Rico and Mexico,” said Arroyo’s co-promoter, Miguel Cotto. “I am sure they will provide the fans a great fight and McWilliams will be prepared to rip that title away and bring it back to Puerto Rico.”

A stacked undercard in support of Alvarez also sees Chinese Heavyweight star Zhilei Zhang make a quick return to action over ten rounds against Jerry Forrest.

Zhang (22-0 17 KOs) is back in the sunshine state after stopping Devin Vargas in four rounds in their clash in Hollywood, Fl. in November, and the 37 year old giant will look to take another step towards securing a huge fight in the glamour division with victory over Forrest (26-4 20 KOs), who took Carlos Takam the distance in his last outing in July.

“I’m very excited about this fight,” said Zhang. “February 27 is the highest profile card of the first quarter of 2021, and it will be an honor to be part of it. I can’t wait to get in the ring and wish the best of luck to my opponent Jerry Forrest. I am training full force. I will be ready.”

“Zhang is a good fighter with great size and technique, but I’ll be ready for this fight,” said Forrest. “2021 is a new beginning for me. Covid has made training difficult with many gyms shut down, but I’ve stayed in shape since my last fight. I’m now up at my manager’s gym in Ashburn, Virginia, and my trainers have been creating a game plan while bringing in sparring partners to match Zhang’s size and style. I’m excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to ending Zhang’s unbeaten streak.”

A host of young talents get the chance to shine on the card, led by Diego Pacheco. The rangy teen has raced to 10-0 with eight wins inside the distance, and the Super-Middleweight sensation will look to add another impressive win when he takes on Rodolfo Gomez Jr (14-4-1 10KOs) over eight rounds.

“I am excited to be back under the bright lights,” said Pacheco. “2021, it’s time to show everyone I’m here and I’m a problem for anyone at 168lbs.”

Alexis Espino (6-0 4 KOs) had a frustrating end to 2020 after losing out on two fights, but the 21 year old is ready to put that behind him and get 2021 off to a flier against Ashton Sykes (5-3 KOs)

“I am more than ready to fight on this amazing card and show what I been working on aside from the time I spent away,” said Espino. “it was a frustrating time for me at the end of 2020, but I am itching to finally show how much work I have been putting into this since I haven’t been in the ring due to recent cancellations.”

Former amateur sensation Marc Castro got his pro career off to the perfect start on Canelo’s undercard in San Antonio with a KO win, and the Fresno star goes again in Miami against Lester Brown (4-2-3 1 KO).

“I am ready to get back in the ring and I want thank God and my team for making it possible for being a part of the pound-for-pound king Canelo’s undercard once again,” said Castro.

Another successful amateur making his second appearance in the paid ranks is Miami’s own Aaron Aponte. The 19 year old won via stoppage on debut in October, and Aponte will showcase the his talents on a huge platform in his hometown.

“I’m super excited to be fighting at the Hard Rock Stadium on February 27 on the undercard of boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez” said Aponte. “It’s an honor to fight on such a massive event in my hometown and I’m very grateful to Matchroom and DAZN along with my manager Peter Kahn and the Fight Game Advisors Team for this opportunity. Stay tuned for the rise of Aaron ‘Alien King’ Aponte!!”

“This is a stacked undercard in support of the pound-for-pound king,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Julio Cesar Martinez is fast becoming a must-see attraction in the sport and an impressive win here will take him to another level – but McWilliams Arroyo is up for the challenge and is a dangerman.

“Zhilei Zhang can stake his claim for a massive fight at Heavyweight later in the year with victory over Jerry Forrest, and it is fantastic for the young talents on the card to be able to perform on this huge stage.”

Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against Francisco Rodriguez Jr on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s World title clash with Callum Smith at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday December 19, live on DAZN in 200+ countries and territories worldwide and on TV Azteca in Mexico.
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Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) puts the famous green and gold strap on the line for the third time and comes into the bout fresh from a savage second round KO win over Moises Calleros in Mexico City in October. 

The Mexican talent is quickly becoming a must-watch fighter with his all-action style guaranteeing excitement and the 25 year old returns to Texas having beaten British challenger Jay Harris over 12 rounds in Arlington in February.

On a huge night for Mexican boxing with pound-for-pound king Alvarez back in action, Rodriguez Jr. (33-4-1 24 KOs) will be aiming to rip the belt from his fellow countryman in his second World title fight. The 27 year old, ranked #2 in the WBC, landed the WBC Latino title at Super-Flyweight in his last outing in November 2019, picking up the 24^th KO win of his career over Jose Maria Cardenas.

“I’m here in San Diego preparing and I’m very excited to be here,” said Martinez. “I’m completing almost two months of camp. I’m so honored to be fighting on the undercard of Saul. I’m going to leave everything to God as always and have faith that he’ll ensure it all goes well. Hopefully that night I’ll get a knockout.

“We know that this guy is very strong, that he’s coming very well prepared. It’s going to be a tough fight but we know as always we’ve prepared 1000 per cent and we have no fear. Going to leave everything in the ring. I still have three kilos to lose but I have two, almost three weeks left to lose that. I’m excited and anxious.

“I’m appreciative of everything from Mr. Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for all of their support. I want to also thank Eddy Reynoso and my trainer Mauricio Aceves who are always so attentive as well as my family. “Somos con todos menos con miedo”. Blessings”

“I want to thank Martínez and his team as well as Matchroom for giving me this opportunity,” said Rodriguez Jr. “It is a pleasure to fight in the biggest card of the year. Martinez is a solid champion and a good fighter but with all due respect he hasn’t fought someone like me, I been waiting for this shot for almost five years and it comes at a perfect timing – I won’t waste it,”

“Julio Cesar Martinez is arguably the most exciting pound-for-pound fighter in boxing right now and this is the perfect stage to continue his ride,” said Eddie Hearn. “This is perhaps the toughest challenge of his career right now and the fans in Texas can expect a Mexican war for the WBC World title on December 19.”

Martinez’s clash with Rodriguez is part of a huge night of action in Texas, topped by Alvarez once against reaching for greatness, challenging WBA and Ring Magazine World champion Smith – and more undercard fights will be announced later this week.

Juan Francisco Estrada retained the WBC Super Flyweight title with an 11th round stoppage over Carlos Cuadras in a sensational fight that took place in Mexico City, Mexico.

The fight was a rematch of a contest that saw Estrada win a unanimous decision over Cuadras in 2017.

In round three, Cuadras landed a huge left hook that put Estrada down.

In round 10, Cuadras started to bleed over his right eye. In round 11, Estrada dropped Cuadras with a left hook. Later in the round, Cuadras was absorbing massive body shots, and then hit the deck from another flurry of punches. The two continued to bomb away at close quarters until the referee determined that Cuadras took too many blows at 2:22.

Estrada, 114.5 lbs of Sonora, MX will now most likely rematch Roman Gonzalez as his record is now 41-3 with 28 knockouts. Cuadras, 114.5 lbs of Sinaloa, MX is 39-4-1.

Chocolatito Decisions Israel Gonzalez; Retains Super Flyweight Title

Roman Gonzalez defended the WBA Super Flyweight title by pounding out a 12-round unanimous decision over Israel Gonzalez.

Roman Gonzalez was dominant as he got going in the 3rd round and never let up as he Israel had no answers to the volume punching of Chocolatito.

Roman Gonzalez, 114 lbs of Managua, NIC won by scores of 118-110, 116-112 and 117-111 to raise his Hall of Fame mark to 50-2. Israel Gonzalez, 114 lbs of Los Cabos, MEX is 25-4.

Martinez stops Calleros in 2 To Retain Flyweight Title

Julio Cesar Martinez retained the WBC Flyweight title with a 2nd round beatdown of Moises Calleros.

In round one, Martinez dropped Calleros with a left hook. In round two, Martinez landed a barrage of punches that included several crushing shots to the jaw, and Calleros was stopped on the ropes at 2:42.

Martinez, 111 lbs of Mexico City is 17-1-1 with 13 knockouts. Calleros, who was a late replacement came in over the 112 lbs weight-limit at 117.4 lbs, and the Monterrey, Mexico native is 34-10-1.

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated by knocking out Juan Antonio Mendez in round two of a scheduled six-round super middleweight.

In round two, Pacheco dropped Mendez with a sweet uppercut and the fight was stopped immediately at 2:02,

Pacheco, 167.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 10-0 with eight knockouts. Mendez, 164.9 lbs of Mexico City is 12-3-2.

Austin Williams stopped Esau Herrera in round five of a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

Williams was in tough until he landed a hard left that rocked Herrera, and the fight was stopped at 1:36.

Williams, 160 lbs of Houston is now 6-0 with five knockouts. Herrera, 157.6 lbs of Mexico City is 19-12-1.

Otha Jones III and Kevin Montiel fought to a six-round split-draw in a super featherweight contest featuring undefeated fighters.

Scores were 58-56 each way an 57-57.

Jones, 130 lbs of Toledo, OH is 5-0-1. Montiel, 130 lbs of Mexico is 6-0-1.

Julio Cesar Martinez has set his sights on unification battles in 2021 before moving to Super-Flyweight as the WBC World Flyweight king meets Moises Calleros tonight at TV Azteca Studios in Mexico City, Mexico, live on DAZN.

Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) fights for the second time as WBC king following his first defense against Welshman Jay Harris in Dallas in February having won the vacant strap with a ninth round KO in a thrilling shootout with former champion Cristofer Rosales in December.

Calleros (33-9-1 17 KOs) failed to make weight for the battle so cannot win the strap, but Martinez is still looking to impress and reignite the momentum he had going following his World title wins.

The 25 year old is eyeing battles with IBF champion Moruti Mthalane and WBA ruler Artem Dalakian in unification battles but admits that the lure of big showdowns with tonight’s fellow World title defenders Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez could see him move to Super-Flyweight later in 2021.

“I would like to go up against Mthalane,” said Martinez. “There’s him, there’s Dalakian. Honestly, I will go up against anyone, anywhere. I’m ready to have my hand raised first thanks to God, because we’re going in with everything other than fear. We won’t disappoint, it will a great fight.

“I want to stay here a little while to get two or three more belts. But I want the biggest fights, so I’d want El Gallo Estrada and Chocolatito, big fights. But whatever comes. Maybe I have six more months and I’ll move up to Super-Flyweight before they run away from me.

“More than anything, I’m very happy and very excited to be fighting in my homeland. I’m just happy that, after my fight, I can go be with my family, with my wife, with my kids. 

“I spent my whole training camp at the Centro Ceremonial Otomi. I’ve always said that I prepare with everything other than fear. I don’t train at 100 per cent. I train at 1000 per cent with my training Mauricio Aceves. We fight with whoever, wherever and we always give 100 per cent.

“We’re really happy that Eddy Reynoso and the rest of the guys have accepted us into that group. In that stable you have guys like Canelo, Andy Ruiz Jr, Ryan Garcia, Oscar Valdez ‘El Pantera’ Luiz Nery, they’re really all great friends. It’s really great motivation, anything is possible and we’re going into this fight with everything and for the fights to come, thank God.

“It’s a really good fight tonight. He’s a guy that moves a lot and who brings it all in the ring. But we know we’re also going to leave it all in the ring. And like I always say against whomever and wherever, we always give it our all.”

Martinez’s clash with Calleros is part of a huge fight night in Mexico City, topped by a triple header of mouthwatering World title action.

Juan Francisco Estrada (40-3 27 KOs) defends his WBC World Super-Flyweight title in a rematch with Carlos Cuadras (39-3-1 27 KOs) and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (49-2 41 KOs) defends his WBA World Super-Flyweight strap against Israel Gonzalez (25-3 11 KOs) – with Estrada and Chocolatito on a collision course for a rematch should they both emerge victorious.

Three of Eddie Hearn’s young tyros make their return to action on the bill, with Diego Pacheco (9-0 7 KOs) boxing for the tenth time in the paid ranks, Austin Williams (5-0 4 KOs) making a second foray outside the States in his sixth pro fight and Otha Jones III (5-0 2 KOs) also boxing for the sixth time as a pro.

Julio Cesar Martinez will now defend his WBC World Flyweight title against Moises Calleros on Friday October 23 at Azteca Studios in Mexico City, live on DAZN.

Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) makes the second defense of his crown and his first on home soil, having defeated Jay Harris in Dallas in February. The 25 year old was due to face fellow countryman Maximino Flores but the IBO champion returned a positive test for COVID-19 and will be unable to challenge for Martinez’s green and gold strap.

Calleros (33-9-1 17 KOs) now has a golden opportunity to change his career overnight in Flores’ place. The 31 year old landed the WBO NABO title at 112lbs last September and fights for World honors for the second time in his career having travelled to Japan in March 2018 to challenge WBO champion Ryuya Yamanaka.

Martinez’s clash with Calleros is part of a bumper World title triple-header in Mexico.

Juan Francisco Estrada (40-3 27 KOs) will defend his WBC and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles in a rematch with Carlos Cuadras (39-3-1 27 KOs) and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (49-2 41 KOs) defends his WBA World Super-Flyweight title against Israel Gonzalez (25-3 11 KOs) – with Estrada and Chocolatito on a collision course for a rematch should they both emerge victorious.

Three of Eddie Hearn’s young tyros make their return to action on the bill, with Diego Pacheco (9-0 7 KOs) boxing for the tenth time in the paid ranks, Austin Williams (5-0 4 KOs) making a second foray outside the States in his sixth pro fight and Otha Jones III (5-0 2 KOs) also boxing for the sixth time as a pro.

Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against #1 ranked McWilliams Arroyo as Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA return to action in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday August 15, exclusively live on DAZN in the US. 

Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) makes the second defense of his crown against Arroyo, in a main event brought to you in association with Canelo Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions, having thrilled Texas with his first defense of the belt in Matchroom Boxing’s last show before the COVID-19 pandemic in February, coming out on top of an enthralling 12 round battle with Welshman Jay Harris.

The 25 year old Mexican landed the title with a ninth round KO win in a ferocious clash with former champion Cristofer Rosales, and the champion is honored to be topping the return of Hearn’s outfit in the States as he looks to cement his place in the division and move towards unification battles.

“I am so happy to be back in the ring again and I promise you another war on August 15,” said Martinez. “With the unification fights ahead of me, it is important to take care of my mandatory challengers and I expect a tough fight with Arroyo. I believe 2020 and 2021 will see me unify and become undisputed and I can’t wait put a smile back on boxing fans faces.”

Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) challenges for a 112lb World title for the third time in his career as he looks to finally get a World strap around his waist. The decorated Puerto Rican amateur was edged out via split decision by IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and then fell to pound-for -pound star Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in April 2016 for the WBC and Ring Magazine crowns in California.

The 34 year old ranked at number one in the WBC enters the bout on the back of three wins in 2019 having returned to Flyweight from a brief stint at Super-Fly, and the former World Amateur Champion is determined to end the talented Mexican’s reign in Tulsa.

“I am very happy with this opportunity that my promoters Miguel Cotto Promotions, H2 Entertainment and Golden Boy Promotions have given me since I am ranked number #1 in the WBC and I am following my dream of becoming a World champion,” said Arroyo.

“I think Julio Cesar Martinez is a great champion the fans will see a fight full of action due to the styles of both of us. It is very good for boxing Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and I am eager to take the belt” 

Prior to the lockdown, Cecilia Brækhus was set to defend her undisputed Welterweight championship in Maryland against Jessica McCaskill, and that fight is the co-main feature in Tulsa.

Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs) has dominated the Welterweight division for 11 years and victory over McCaskill would see the Norwegian sensation break Joe Louis’ record of 25 consecutive World title defenses, with the 38 year old’s record stretching back to her first World title fight in her 11^thpro outing in March 2009.

‘The First Lady’ still holds the same ambitions from when she first became a World ruler, and with a long camp behind her in Big Bear, California with new trainer Abel Sanchez, Brækhus is itching to get back into action and defend her belts in style.

“Finally we have a new fight date and I cannot wait to return to battle,” said Brækhus. “It’s been an extended camp in Big Bear with my new trainer Abel Sanchez and I’m very excited to defend my world titles against Jessica on August 15. I know how tough of a fight this is and will be well prepared for victory.

“Thanks very much to Abel, the Matchroom Boxing Team and Tom Loeffler for all of their support during these unique times. And to my fans in Norway, the United States and all over the world, thanks so much for continuing to inspire me, I hear you loud and clear.”

It’s fitting that McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) marks the return of Matchroom Boxing USA on DAZN from the lockdown as the Chicago ace won her WBC World Super-Lightweight title in Hearn’s first ever show on the groundbreaking streaming network in America in her hometown in October 2018 against Erica Farias.

‘CasKILLA’ went on to unify the division by taking the WBA crown from Farias fellow Argentine Anahi Sanchez in May 2019 in Maryland before putting both belts on the line in a rematch with Farias in her Windy City home, edging out her old foe via majority decision.

The 35 year old now meets the Norwegian superstar for the undisputed title in just her 11^th fight, and McCaskill is determined to keep her fairytale story going and end Braekhus supremacy.

“I’m just looking to make history and shock the world as I usually do every time,” said McCaskill. “I’m expecting to knock out Cecilia. I don’t know what round, but this extra time we’ve got to train before the fight is definitely going to make us a lot sharper and a lot stronger and smarter overall.

“I’ve been in the gym every day for multiple workouts and I can’t wait to show what we’ve been working on.”

Shakhram Giyasov continues to rise up the Super-Lightweight rankings and the Uzbekistan talent – one of three from the emerging boxing powerhouse under the spotlight in Matchroom Boxing’s latest YouTube feature– and he defends his WBA International Super-Lightweight title against Francisco Rojo.

Giyasov (9-0 7 KOs) picked up the strap he defends in Tulsa in April 2019 with victory over Emanuel Taylor in California, and in his first defense certainly saw the boxing world stand up and take notice as he obliterated former World champion Darleys Perez inside 30 seconds of the fight.

The highly decorated amateur is ranked at number seven in the WBA and a second successful defense of his belt would move him into a great position to land a shot at the World title in the future.

“I’m very excited to defend my title on August 15 against Francisco Rojo,” said Giyasov. “I know how tough of a fight this is and have already started training with Coach Diaz in Southern California to prepare for victory.

“Huge thanks to my team at World of Boxing and Vadim Kornilov along with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN for this tremendous opportunity.”

Rojo (22-3 15 KOs) returns to action following a brief spell on the sidelines and looking to spoil Giyasov’s rise. The Mexican has a wealth of experience from his 25 fight pro career, and the 29 year old is confident of causing an upset against the 26 year old.

“What a wonderful opportunity,” said Rojo. “My gym is now open and I will be well prepared. I showed American fans I could fight when I fought Ryan Martin in Las Vegas and I’ll remind them again when I beat Giyasov.”

Three of Hearn’s talented youngster’s complete the line-up, and it promises to be a memorable night for amateur standout Marc Castro as he makes his pro debut alongside rising starlets Nikita Ababiy and Raymond Ford.

Hearn beat off fierce competition to ink a deal with Castro, with the 20 year old turning over with an amateur record of 177 wins and 7 losses with a stellar 48-1 record in international and national competition, and in addition to being a two-time Amateur World Champion, Castro is a 16-time National Champion, three-time National Silver Gloves champion, and two-time National Junior Olympics Champion.

“I’m excited so start my professional journey to becoming a World champion,” said Castro. “The extra time has just made me even hungrier to get my career going and I cannot wait to showcase what I will bring to the pro game.”

Ababiy (8-0 6 KOs) fights for the ninth time in the paid ranks and for the first time since a controversial DQ win over Jonathan Baptista at the Staples Center in Los Angeles gave ‘White Chocolate’ a sixth win inside the distance since turning pro as one of Hearn’s first US signings in October 2018.

“I’m excited to light up that ring, it’s been way too long,” said Ababiy. “I’ve been working hard behind the scenes and I will be looking to steal the show on August 16 – White Chocolate is back!”

Ford (5-0 2 KOs) will taste his sixth action as a pro and for the ‘Savage’, it’s a chance to unleash the frustrations of two-thirds of a year on the sidelines since the 21 year old from Camden, New Jersey recorded his second win inside the distance from his five pro fights to date in Phoenix in December 2019.

“Due to injuries and this pandemic it will be eight months before I fight again,” said Ford. “It feels great to finally get back in the ring. It’s been hard during the pandemic, but I used this time to work on my craft and it made me go harder in the gym. On August 15 I will show the world why I’m the BEST prospect in boxing.”

The announcement of Hearn’s return to boxing in the States comes hot on the heels of the promoter releasing details of four stacked and ultra-competitive fight cards in Britain over four weeks in the unique setting of the grounds of the company’s Essex headquarters. 

Hearn is following that bold move with more ambitious plans for his American return, with the elite-level bill set to have a unique setting in Tulsa unveiled soon.

“We are ready to return in the States and just like Fight Camp in the UK, we plan to do things differently,” said Hearn. “We are heading outdoors in Tulsa, Oklahoma and we’re planning something unique and special for this double World championship header that should both thrill in the ring.

“Julio Cesar Martinez is a beast and one of the most exciting World champions in boxing. It’s Mexico v Puerto Rio as he faces mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo in a guaranteed thriller. In the co-main event, we stage the Undisputed Welterweight championship between Cecilia and Jessica which promises to be an electric pace between two great champions. 

“Beneath them, ‘Wonder Boy’ Shakhram Giyasov steps up the gears as he homes in on a 140lbs World title shot and US amateur sensation Marc Castro makes his professional debut. Rising US stars Nikita Ababiy and Raymond Ford step up the opposition as they continue their rise to the top.”

Julio Cesar Martinez says he would love to box in Mexico as a World champion as he plots his future in the latest episode of ‘Peleamundo’.
EPISODE TWO OF ‘PELEAMUNDO’ IS ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) has seen his stock rise dramatically over the last year, with a win over Andrew Selby in March in Mexico followed by his controversial clash with Charlie Edwards in London in August, a thrilling World title win over Cristofer Rosales in December and a cracking battle in his first defense against Jay Harris in February.

The 25 year old Mexican will be on the hunt for unification battles when boxing returns, and told presenter and former two-weight Jessie Vargas that IBF champion Moruti Mthalane and WBO ruler Kosei Tanaka are top of his hitlist, and he would love to host them in his home country.

“I’d love to do something big for my Mexican people,” said Martinez. “They always support me. I feel very happy and grateful. We’re just coming for all those belts.

“I just want the best fights. Whatever Eddie Hearn and Eddy Reynoso decide. The best fights with the best purses. I just want all the belts and stay champion for a while. I’d like to unify the belts. A good fight would be against Kosei Tanaka. He’s an undefeated, strong fighter in the flyweight division. That would be a good fight for me.

“Mthalane is a great fight too but it’s up to Eddie and Eddy. I know he has a belt; I have a belt. He’s not an exception. I’ll fight him too.”

Martinez is no stranger to boxing away from home though, and the pocket-rocket is even open to returning to the UK, where he met Edwards at The O2 in London in August 2019 in a contest that ended in a no-contest after Martinez landed a body shot after Edwards had already hit the canvas from a barrage from the then title challenger.

Martinez would win the vacant title in a thrilling contest with former champion Rosales in Phoenix in December before his clash with Welshman Harris in February – a third Briton in the opposite corner for Martinez in four fights and his second with new promoter Eddie Hearn.

“England is a very nice country,” said Martinez. “They received me with open arms. Outside of the ring, all the fans wanted pictures and treated me like a champion. They are very nice people.

“They gave me respect and treated me very well so for that, I wouldn’t have any problems returning to England. They respected me a lot. They wanted pictures and hey cheered for me, it was a good experience.

“I met Eddie when I fought Charlie in England. Eddie and Mauricio Sulaiman gave me their respect. They supported me a lot with the rematch but Charlie went up in weight and left that belt vacant so I was able to win it against Rosales in Phoenix. Eddie liked the way I fought and moved in that fight. I know it’s just the start of many great things to come. I was so happy and proud. I didn’t’ leave it to the judges to decide my fight, I got the KO. I was happy I won.”

Martinez is joined by his manager and co-trainer Reynoso in the second episode of ‘Peleamundo’, presented by former two weight World champion Jessie Vargas, and amateur sensation Marc Castro also stars in the show as he prepares to start life in the paid ranks when boxing returns.

Mikey Garcia returned from his 1st professional loss by winning a 12-round unanimous decision over Jessie Vargas at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

After winning the first four rounds, Vargas was caught by a big right that wobbled him. Garcia followed up with another booming right that put Vargas down in the corner.

Garcia took over and won the next several rounds and gained control of the fight. Vargas tried to make a last stand and landed a couple decent shots in the closing rounds, but was wobbled again in round’s 10 and 12.

Garcia, 145.8 lbs of Oxnard, CA won by scores of 116-111 twice and 114-113 and is now 40-1. Vargas, 147 lbs of Las Vegas is 29-3-2.

Former Pound for Pound King Roman Gonzalez won the WBA Super Flyweight title with a 9th round stoppage over previously undefeated former champion Kal Yafai.

Gonzalez beat up and wore down Yafai and in round eight dropped Yafai with a combination. Gonzalez ended things with a perfect right to the jaw that plummeted Yafai to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 29 seconds of round nine.

Gonzalez, 114 lbs of Managua, NIC is 49-2 with 41 knockouts. Yafai, 114.8 lbs of Birmingham, UK is 26-1.

Julio Cesar Martinez retained the WBC Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Jay Harris.

It was a close fight that saw both men have their way during the encounter.

In round five, Harris started to bleed around his left eye.

In round ten, Martinez dropped Harris with a hard body shot.

Martinez, 111.4 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 118-109, 116-111 and 115-112 and is now 16-1. Harris, 111.6 lbs of Wales is 17-1.

Former heavyweight titlist, Joseph Parker stopped Shawndell Winters in round five of a scheduled 10-round bout.

In round three, Parker dropped Winters with a hard right. In round four, Parker was cut under the right eye. In round five, Parker landed a ripping three punch combination to the head that sent Winters to the canvas. The fight was stopped at 2:40

Parker, 245.4 lbs of New Zealand is 27-2 with 21 knockouts. Winter, 208 lbs of Illinois is 13-3.

Israil Madrimov stopped Charlie Navarro in round six of a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight elimination bout.

Madrimov dominated the action and dropped Navarro twice in round six. The first was a hard left to the body. Navarro looked done, and he was seconds later as Madrimov landed a hard right to the body that sent Navarro down again and the fight was stopped at 2:24

Madrimov, 153.2 lbs of Uzbekistan is 5-0 with five knockouuts. Navarro, 153.2 lbs of Panama is 29-10.

Good looking super middleweight prospect Diego Pacheco won an easy six-round unanimous decision over Oscar Riojas.

Pacheco was dominant with right hand and staggered Riojas in the final moment of the fight.

Pacheco, 167.4 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 60-54 and is now 9-0. Riojas, 167.4 lbs of Mexico is 21-13-1.

Alexis Espino won a six-round unanimous decision over Delvecchio Savage in a super middleweight bout.

Savage began to bleed from the nose in the 5th round.

Espino, 165 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 6-0. Savage, 163.6 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL is 3-6-1.

Jay Harris is in Texas to shock the world as the unbeaten European champion and amazon.co.uk warehouse worker challenges Julio Cesar Martinez for the WBC World Flyweight title on Saturday February 29 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports.
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Harris (17-0 9 KOs) travels to Texas for a night of firsts as he meets the exciting Mexican talent in his first World title fight and debut on American soil.

The clash represents the biggest steps for the unbeaten European champion on a remarkable journey over the last 18 months, that saw the Swansea man contemplate walking away from the sport and concentrating on his job at the online retail giant’s warehouse in his hometown.

Encouragement from his family and friends to stick with the sport and a change in promoter to MTK Global saw Harris excel in a European title win over former World title challenger Angel Moreno in June and then traveling to Belfast to stop Paddy Barnes in October to tee up the World title tilt.

The 28 year old has been able to concentrate solely on his big night in Frisco after getting two months off work for his training camp, and Harris believes he can upset the odds and keep his dream run going on a life-changing night.

“I’ve been working at amazon.co.uk for about eight years and trying to juggle boxing and work at the same time can be very tiring,” said Harris. “I was full time at the start and working nightshifts, so 6.45pm start through to 5.15am and I was trying to train twice a day as well. That was very tiring but after a while I was fighting more regularly so I dropped to just doing Thursday and Friday nights for the past four years. 

“Luckily for me, they have given me two months off for this fight but with the Paddy Barnes and the Angel Moreno fights I was still juggling work and training. It can be really hard, but I can’t afford to give up my job – so this fight could change my life forever.

“After I won the Commonwealth title in 2017 the fights just dried up and I had to think hard about my future, because I could earn more money from working than fighting. Luckily, I managed to get on some small hall shows and run my contract down with Frank Warren and I then signed with MTK. 

“I really seriously thought about walking away though, but I have good friends and family around me and a good manager, they talked me into sticking with it and to see what happens, and from where I was 18 months ago to where I am now, it’s all been an absolute dream. 

“I’ve gone from signing with MTK and fighting Brett Fidoe to a European title fight, then the Barnes fight and now a World title fight. It’s the best feeling to be out regularly and knowing when you are going to fight, that’s what makes you happy as a boxer, knowing where you are, because not knowing when you are fighting makes you feel shit.

“Looking back at the times I thought about quitting, it’s all been worth it listening to the people that have talked me round, look where I am now. It will change my life forever, it will give my family a better future, and that’s the main thing really.”

Harris’ clash with Martinez is part of a stellar night of action in Frisco, topped by the blockbuster Welterweight showdown between Mikey Garcia (39-1 30 KOs) and Jessie Vargas (29-2-2 11 KOs) with the WBC Diamond title on the line and the longest reigning British World champion Kal Yafai (26-0 15 KOs) putting his WBA World Super-Flyweight title on the line against the former pound-for-pound king and four weight World ruler Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (48-2 40 KOs). 

Israil Madrimov (4-0 4 KOs) defends his WBA Inter-Continental Junior-Middleweight title in an official eliminator for the #2 position in the WBA against Venezuelan Charlie Navarro (29-9 22 KOs), Matchroom Boxing USA talents Diego Pacheco (8-0 7 KOs) and Alexis Espino (5-0 4 KOs) get their first taste of action in 2020 and headline star Garcia will showcase two of his Garcia Promotions charges with 20 year old unbeaten Texan Flyweight Jesse Rodriguez (10-0 6 KOs) clashing with Marco Sustaita (12-2-1 10 KOs) over ten rounds and unbeaten Mexican Middleweight Leo Ruiz Acevedo (6-0 4 KOs) taking on Dennis Knifechief (12-11 7 KOs) over six rounds.

ENDS

About The Star in Frisco
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and training facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco, Frisco ISD and the Dallas Cowboys, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games, other world class sporting events such as top flight boxing matches, concerts and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; the Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; Twelve, a 17-story, luxury residential tower in partnership between Pro Football Hall-of-Fame Quarterback #12 Roger Staubach, and Dallas-based developer and former Dallas Cowboys center, Robert Shaw; Formation, a dynamic coworking experience offering a collaborative work environment of open workspace, dedicated desks and private offices; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options throughout The Star District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

Daniel Jacobs was awarded a stoppage after round five of his scheduled 12-round super middleweight bout after Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. quit in the corner, citing a broken nose in front of over 10,000 fans at The Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.

The fight actually started off well for the much (and deserved) maligned Chavez as he came out aggressive and working the body of Jacobs. That lasted about a round and a half as Chavez basically stopped punching due to Jacobs starting to get his offense going. Jacobs featured his own body attack and would flick in the right hand. He started getting through with some power shots in the 5th, with one such right hand hitting the nose of Chavez. Chavez started to bleed from his nostrils when he abruptly quit and the fight was called.

Jacobs of Brooklyn, NY is now 36-3 with 30 knockouts. Chavez, who checked in nearly 5 pounds over the 168 pound weight limit is now 51-4-1.

Julio Cesar Martinez stopped Cristofer Martinez in round nine to win the WBC Flyweight title.

It was a high contact fight that had both guys bleeding. After being buckled in the 2nd round, Martinez dominated the fight as he would coming with hard and thudding combinations, mixing it up between the head and body of Rosales. Martinez buckled and rocked Rosales

As Martinez seized control of the fight, Rosales was absorbing a lot of punishment, and the bout was finally stopped at 1:19 of round nine after Martinez landed several unanswered flush blows on the ropes.

Martinez of Mexico is now 15-1 with 12 knockouts. Rosales of Nicaragua is 29-5.

Former Junior Welterweight Maurice Hooker dismantled Uriel Perez in the 1st round of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

Hooker landed a powerful flurry of punches that sent Perez down in the corner. Perez got to his feet, but was in no condition to continue and the bout was stopped at 2:52.

Hooker, 144.3 lbs of Dallas is 27-1-3 with 18 knockouts. Perez, 141.9 lbs of Mexico is 19-5.

Former world champion Liam Smith won a 10-round unanimous decision over Roberto Garcia in a middleweight bout.

Smith dominated the action and focused on hard body shots that led him to the victory by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92.

Smith, 159.9 lbs of Liverpool., UK is 29-2-1. Garcia, 155.5 lbs of Weslaco, TX is 42-5.

2016 British Olympian, Josh Kelly won a 10-round unanimous decision over Wiston Campos in a welterweight fight.

In round one, Kelly was cut over his right eye from a punch.

In round ten, Kelly sealed the fight with a right hand that sent Campos to the deck.

Kelly, 150.4 lbs of Sunderland, UK won by scores of 99-90 twice and 98-91 and is now 10-0-1. Campos, 148.4 lbs of Nicaragua is 31-7-6.

Reshat Mati dropped Rakim Johnson four-times in the 1st en route to a stoppage in the opening frame of their six-round welterweight bout.

Mati of New York is 6-0 with four knockouts. Johnson of Indianapolis id 6-9-1.

Raymond Ford stopped Francisco Muro in round one of their scheduled six-round featherweight bout.

Ford dropped Muro with a hard three punch combination that capped by a straight left. Muro was hurt and Ford jumped all over Muro, and the bout was stopped at 1:41.

Ford of Camden, NJ is 5-0 with two knockouts. Muro of Tucson, AZ is 3-7.

Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA

Julio Cesar Martinez will challenge Cristofer Rosales for the vacant WBC World Flyweight title at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on Friday December 20, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK on the undercard of the Super-Middleweight blockbuster between Daniel Jacobs and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

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Martinez (14-1 11 KOs) aims to land the title at the second attempt following his controversial clash with former champion Charlie Edwards in London in August, where the Mexican had Edwards in serious trouble in the third round after sending the champion to the canvas, but Martinez landed a bodyshot while Edwards was on the deck and the subsequent KO win for Martinez was overturned in the ring to a no-contest.

Edwards vacated the title to move to Super-Flyweight opening the door for Martinez to land the crown and the 24 year old will be aiming to resume his remarkable streak of KO wins which was stretched to eight in March when he stopped talented Welshman Andrew Selby inside five rounds in Mexico.

Rosales (29-4 20 KOs) is aiming to regain the title that he won in April 2018 in Japan with a ninth round stoppage win over Daigo Higa, and successfully defended the title against Northern Irishman Paddy Barnes with a stoppage win in Belfast four months later before surrendering the belt to Edwards in London on points in December.

“We’re going to fight against a World champion,” said Martinez. “We know it’s dangerous, that he’s a very good fighter, but the whole team has had a great camp. We’re bringing the title back to Mexico”

“We’ve worked very hard to prepare for this fight,” added said Eddy Reynoso, Sport and Talent director at Canelo Promotions. “We have all the confidence in Martinez. He’s a fighter with lots of heart. A Mexican fight who’s coming strong. He’s coming to win this fight.”

“Martinez is a very strong fighter who like to fight going forward,” said Rosales. “He is also very focused and determined. I am confident to regain my title and bring it back to Nicaragua. 

“First of all, I am thankful to God. I want to thank Matchroom Boxing USA, Teiken and my manager William Ramirez/Wram boxing, for all his hard work and efforts toward getting me this opportunity. I am prepared and ready. I will give everything I got and will fight against Martinez.”

“This is a great fight for a big night and a real opportunity for our latest signing Julio Cesar Martinez to shine on a huge stage,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Julio is an exciting talent and such a powerful puncher at 112lbs, we believe that he can dominate the division in 2020 – but Cristofer is a great fighter in his own right and will be determined to regain his title; there will be fireworks in this one.”

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WBC Flyweight champion Charlie Edwards vacated his title after a controversial no-contest with Julio Cesar Martinez.

“Me and my team have decided due to how much I struggled with the weight last time out — it actually scared me about how much I was putting my health on the line — and I can’t risk causing damage to myself as health is the single most important thing in life,” Edwards wrote. “I am gutted because I value being WBC world champion, and [I’m] so proud to be able to be in history as WBC flyweight world champion! The best belt in boxing by far.

“I want to continue to represent the WBC and really want to push on through the [junior bantamweight] rankings and pursue the title! But I wanted to let you know first before anyone else that I will be vacating the [flyweight] title to move up and challenge at the new weight. Thanks so much for everything.”

Vasyl Lomachenko scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Luke Campbell to retain the WBA and WBO and capture the WBC Lightweights at a sold out 02 Arena in London.

Lomachenko hurt Campbell at the enc of round five when he landed a hard left to head that was followed by a perfect left to the body.

In round 11, Lomachenko landed a flurry of punches that was punctuated by a jab that sent Campbell the canvas. Lomachenko sealed the fight when he hurt Campbell in the final round with his patented quick shots that forced Campbell to hold on and eventually throw Lomachenko to be able to survive the round.

Lomachenko of Ukraine won by scores 119-108 twice and 118-109 and is now 14-1. Campbell is 20-3.

Lomachenko outlanded Campbell 207-131.

After a hard-fought battle, this is what Lomachenko, Campbell and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum had to say.

Lomachenko

“Of course I’m happy. I want to say thank you to {everyone} who came to support us. I want to thank everyone who organized this fight. And, of course, I’m happy. Next… {I want to fight for the} IBF {title}. That is my title.”

“In the UK, the fans are the best fans in the world. Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“Of course, I want to fight {for the IBF title}, but it depends on Bob Arum.”

Arum

“Obviously, we’re looking to win the fourth belt to unify the title. But Loma and {manager} Egis {Klimas} have told me they can’t wait to come back to the UK to fight here again.The English fight fans are the best fans in the world.”

“Luke Campbell didn’t disgrace himself. He fought a hell of a fight. He’s a hell of a fighter. Big, big heart, and Luke will be back.”

“Loma is up there with Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao. He belongs with those fighters.”

“Listen, it doesn’t matter. He will fight anyone at featherweight, super featherweight or lightweight. Only the best. He’s a special, special fighter.”

Luke Campbell

“He just beat me, so he’s very good. He’s a special fighter and we all knew he was a special fighter. This is boxing and we train to win. Obviously, I’m disappointed in myself for not getting the victory.

Former world champion Alexander Povetkin won a 12-round unanimous decision over Hughie Fury in a heavyweight bout.

Povetkin was able to turn up a very dull fight in the 2nd half of the contest.

In round nine, Fury began to bleed from the left eye.

Povetkin of Russia won by scores of 117-111 on all cards and is now 35-2. Fury of Manchester, Eng is 23-3.

Julio Cesar Martinez seemingly won the WBC lyweight title with a shocking 3rd round stoppage over reigning champion Charlie Edwards, but after several minutes the bout was overturned after Martinez landed a late-punch

Martinez landed about 10 unanswered blows that sent Edwards to the canvas. Martinez got in one more hard body shot while Edwards was on the canvas, but the referee ruled a knockdown and the bout was stopped at 1:43.

The bout was ruled a no-contest with an immediate rematch

Martinez of Mexico is 14-1.. Edwards is 15-1.

2016 Olympic Bronze Medal winner, Joshua Buatsi stopped Ryan Ford in round seven of a scheduled 10-round light heavyeight bout.

Buatsi hurt Ford in round seven with a clipping left hook. He followed that up with a flurry that was culminated by a body punch that sent Ford down for the count at 1:07.

Buatsi is now 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Ford of Edmonton, CAN is 16-5.

2016 Olympian Joe Cordina won a 12-round unanimous decision over Gavin Gwynne in a British Lightweight Title bout featuring undefeated fighters.

Cordina of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 116-110 twice and 116-111 and is now 10-0. Gwynne is 11-1.

In a battle of undefeated super middleweights, Savannah Marshall stopped Daniele Bastieri in round five of their scheduled eight-round bout.

Marshall dominated, and in round five she landed a big right hand that dropped Bastieri at the end of the round five. Bastieri, bloodied, got to her feet the bout was stopped at 2:00.

Marshall is now 7-0 with five knockouts. Bastieri of Brazil is 2-1.

Charlie Edwards has promised to deliver a “punch-perfect” display against his Mandatory Challenger Julio Cesar Martinez at The O2 in London this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, as he makes the second defence of his WBC Flyweight crown that he landed in Greenwich last year. 

The Surrey star turned on the style as he successfully defended his World title for the first time against Spain’s Angel Moreno at the Copper Box Arena in March, winning every round against his former sparring partner in a dominant display. 

Martinez earned his shot at Edwards’ title by taking out highly-rated Welshman Andrew Selby in five rounds of their Final Eliminator bout in Mexico earlier this year, and ‘El Rey’ has vowed to take the scalp of another Brit in his first professional bout outside of his homeland – but Edwards has other ideas. 

“His style works perfectly for me, it plays into my hands,” said Edwards. “He’s already told me that he’s going to knock me out. But when he doesn’t, things are going to get very tough for him and if he’s coming in with that mentality it shows he’s underrating me already and that’s not a good place to be.

“He can bang, there’s no doubt about it. You can see it just by looking at his record. We saw in his last fight against Andrew Selby that he’s powerful and can be awkward, he can rough you up, but that’s good as he’s going to bring out the best in me. I’m a lot stronger and a lot tougher now. 

“Fitness has never been an issue for me but in his fight against Selby you could tell that he was blowing a little bit and that’s maybe because he puts everything into every shot. It’s about nullifying his ability to punch hard and dragging him into the deep trenches.

“Fitness and rounds are my strongest attributes and I’m ready and looking forward to dragging him deep and for the roles switching, I will bully the bully. I am the WBC World Champion and nobody is beating me. On Saturday I am going to retain my World title with a punch-perfect performance.”

Edwards vs. Martinez features on a huge night of boxing in the Capital. 

At the top of the bill, Olympic Champions Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10 KOs) and Luke Campbell (20-2, 16 KOs) will clash for the WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World titles, Joe Cordina (9-0, 7 KOs) defends his British and Commonwealth Lightweight titles against Gavin Gwynne (11-0, 1 KO) in a mouth-watering battle of Wales, rising Light-Heavy star Joshua Buatsi (11-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBA International title against Canada’s Ryan Ford (16-4, 11 KOs), James Tennyson (24-3, 20 KOs) and Atif Shafiq (21-2, 5 KOs) meet for the vacant WBA International Lightweight title, Hartlepool star Savannah Marshall (6-0, 4 KOs) makes her highly-anticipated Matchroom Boxing debut, Sheffield amateur standout Dalton Smith (2-0, 1 KO) takes part in his first six round contest and Hull Super-Featherweight prospect Connor Coghill (5-0) lands a dream slot on his former manager’s (Campbell) undercard. 

Charlie Edwards will make the second defence of his WBC Flyweight World title against his Mandatory Challenger Julio Cesar Martinez at The O2 in London on Saturday August 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Edwards ripped the WBC 112lbs crown from Cristofer Rosales on an emotional night at The O2 in December, outclassing the Nicaraguan with a masterful display to take a well-earned unanimous decision in his second World title attempt. 

He turned on the style as he successfully defended his World title for the first time against Spain’s Angel Moreno at the Copper Box Arena in March, winning every round against his former sparring partner in a dominant display. 

Martinez, hailing from Mexico City, landed his shot at the coveted green and gold belt by taking out highly-rated Welshman Andrew Selby in five rounds in their Final Eliminator bout earlier this year in March.

It was a first career loss for Selby, who was once regarded by many as one of the brightest prospects in the UK. A brutal left hook liver shot ended proceedings in the fifth session to set up a first World title shot for Martinez. 

Losing on his professional debut in October 2015, ‘El Rey’ has since won fourteen fights on the bounce, scoring eleven knockouts in that impressive run. Halting Selby means no opponent has gone more than six rounds with the 24-year-old since June 2017.

“He’s a very tough Mexican who can bang with both hands,” said Edwards. “His record shows that he’s a massive puncher and we saw that in his last fight against Andrew Selby. He got him out of there in the fifth round and was hurting him on a number of occasions. He’s coming to bring it and he’s going to try and rip that WBC title off me. This is his World Cup final.

“He’s going to put it all on the line. He’s going to be coming hard and fast from early to try and put me under pressure, but I believe my boxing skills and the experience that I’ve gained throughout my short pro career will see me through. I expect to have a punch perfect performance. I believe that he will bring out the very best in me. 

“Timing is everything, I believe this is my era. I have arrived at my destination at the right time and I’m loving the journey. This is another legacy fight for me, and I believe that I will build a great legacy. To fight your Mandatory Challenger on one of the biggest cards in British boxing this year is brilliant because it showcases my skills around the world.” 

“I can’t wait to challenge for the WBC Flyweight World title in London,” said Martinez. “I’ll be taking that famous green and gold belt back to Mexico with me. I have already knocked out one Brit and on August 31 I will make it two.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “This is another great fight added to a brilliant card at The O2. We saw Martinez knock out Andrew Selby recently in his Final Eliminator and he is an aggressive, fearless fighter who will be coming to try and take Charlie’s belt. Charlie is now established as the best 112lb fighter in the World right now and I expect another brilliant performance from him at The O2. This will be a fast paced, explosive fight and there’s still plenty more to come on this card!”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “Charlie Edwards has been an enthralling success story in British boxing and it’s fantastic to add his next WBC title defence to the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Luke Campbell bill.

“Charlie has grown as a fighter since claiming the WBC belt on that emotional night last December, but Julio Cesar Martinez is a real danger-man as shown in that win over Andrew Selby. 

“We also have Hughie Fury’s heavyweight clash against Alexander Povetkin on an action-packed evening, with more fights to be added before Luke Campbell’s epic World title battle with Lomachenko.”