Prior to the Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Lamont Roach main event, the March 1st pay-per-view action will feature 140-pound world title attraction, as WBC champion Alberto Puello puts his belt on the line against mandatory challenger Sandor Martin in a twelve-round showdown. Now a two-time world title holder, Puello (22-0, 10 KOs) lost his first title due to PED issues but regained champion status last June when he bested Gary Antuanne Russell by decision for what was then the WBC’s interim title. He was then elevated to full WBC champion shortly after fight night. Originally from San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, Puello now fights out of Las Vegas, where he’s trained by Ismael Salas. The 30-year-old first became a champion in August 2022, when he captured the WBA title via decision victory over Batyr Akhmedov. Puello first shot up the rankings in July 2019, when he bested the previously unbeaten Jonathan Alonso via unanimous decision to capture an interim title.

 

“I’ve been waiting for this moment to defend my title and stamp my place in this sport,” said Puello. “Sandor Martin is a great fighter, but come March 1st, I’m going to show the world why I’m the WBC world champion. This is my time, my stage and I’m ready to put on a show that fans will never forget. When we step into that ring, it’s going to be fireworks. I’m going to bring the best version of myself and do whatever it takes to leave with the victory. I’m doing this for the Dominican Republic, this fight is for them and I’m going to make them proud.”

 

 A native of Barcelona, Spain, Martin (42-3, 15 KOs) has long been established as one of the best current fighters from Spain before making his U.S. debut in 2021, when he sprung the 2021 Upset of the Year on four-division world champion Mikey Garcia. The 31-year-old has never been stopped in his career, and nearly earned another upset in 2022 when he narrowly lost a debated decision against two-division champion Teofimo Lopez. Most recently, Martin has earned back-to-back knockout victories, stopping Arblin Kaba in six-rounds in July 2023 and Mohamed El Marcouchi in three rounds in December 2023.

 

 “This world title opportunity is a long time coming,” said Martin. “A new 140-pound king will be crowned on March 1st. Alberto Puello has some experience, but he won’t be prepared for what I bring to the ring in Brooklyn. That beautiful WBC belt is coming home with me to Spain.”