Wise Owl Boxing anounced the signing of former champion Julio César Martínez. Once recognized as one of boxing’s most fan-friendly fighters, Martinez now joins Wise Owl, a company headed by Mark Habibi. Martinez will be co-managed by respected boxing figure Miguel Lopez. Together, the team is committed to guiding Martinez back to the pinnacle of the sport. Martinez (20-4) fought once in 2025 in Mexico. He vacated his flyweight title in 2024 and was caught with banned performance-enhancing substances in his system. According to ESPN in June 2024, Martinez was suspended for nine months by the Nevada State Athletic Commission after testing positive for three banned substances (diuretics and masking agents).
“We’re very excited about this signing,” said Habibi. “Julio Cesar Martinez is a proven world champion with a massive fan base and a style that fans love. He brings energy, personality, and excitement every time he steps into the ring. Our goal is clear — to bring him back to the championship level and help him regain a world title.”
With Wise Owl Boxing now steering his career, Martinez is positioned for a strong return, with major opportunities on the horizon. “This is a huge addition to our team,” Habibi added. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Wise Owl family and excited for what’s ahead.”
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
AUG. 14, 2024: Disgraced former WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martínez opened up to the press and talked about his experience of the positive doping test that caused him to be stripped of his title. Martinez said it was very painful when he was told that he had tested positive for doping, because in his opinion he had only taken a tea that would help him lose the last few kilos to make the weight, without knowing that it contained a prohibited substance. He recognized his responsibility, because as an athlete he knows that he should know everything he consumes and avoid trusting people who put at risk not only his health but also his rival’s. At this point, the president of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaiman, paused to recognize Martinez, claiming the ex-champ showed courage, since not many boxers do so and prefer to hide without talking about the subject.
MAY 23, 2024: Mexico's Julio César “Rey” Martínez has notified the WBC that he will vacate its flyweight championship in order to move up to the super flyweight division. Martínez (21-2-2, 15 KOs) won the title in 2019 and made seven successful defenses of his crown. He fought his most recent bout on March 30th, vanquishing the previously unbeaten Angelino Cordova of Venezuela. During his 112-pound reign, Martinez ventured up to 115 pounds once, losing to Roman Gonzaez in 2022.
