Lester Martinez faces Immanuwel “The Chosen One” Aleem on Saturday, March 21st. The stakes for that match-up have been heightened as the fight's promoter reports that the WBC Board of Governors has voted unanimously to sanction the fight for the vacant WBC interim super middleweight championship. Martinez (19-0-1, 16 KOs) from Guatemala, is hoping to eventually become his country’s first-ever world champion when he takes on Virginia’s Aleem (22-3-3, 14 KOs). ProBoxTV will stream the show as part of its “The Contender Series” at 7 pm EST/4 pm PST from the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, California.
“I really thought I won the fight [vs. Christian Mbilli] on September 13th, and it’s been frustrating to not get a rematch with Mbilli,” said Martinez. Martinez vs. Mbnilli was scored a draw but the WBC corruptly named Mbilli as its champion, leaving the scraps for Martinez. “I very much appreciate [WBC president] Mauricio [Sulaiman] and the WBC Board of Governors for giving me this opportunity. It’s been my dream to be the first Guatemalan champion ever. I can’t wait for March 21st.”
It’s been a roller coaster ride to get to this fight for Martinez, who hasn’t been in the ring since his Fight of the Year candidate, a split draw with Mbilli in September. Considered a highlight of the entire show, the fight was televised live on Netflix on the undercard of Terence Crawford’s victory over Canelo Alvarez. Because of the competitive nature of the fight, the WBC ordered an immediate rematch between the two, which was effectively canceled earlier this year after Crawford was abruptly stripped of the WBC belt he won beating Alvarez and Mbilli was elevated to full champion.
Martinez personally petitioned the WBC to elevate his fight with Aleem to an interim title fight earlier this week. His efforts appear to have worked, as the approval is granted. “As President of the WBC, I am thrilled to know such an amazing young man as Lester,” said Mauricio Sulaiman, “We are committed to supporting boxing and its development, worldwide.”
ProBoxTV’s Garry Jonas says he’s happy for Lester and his team, who was one point, or two rounds, away from winning a fight many thought he deserved to win. One judge scored it 97-93 for Martinez, one had it 96-94 for Mbilli, and one saw it even at 95-95. Jonas is also excited to be able to present a world championship fight in his March 21 main event.
“I’d like to thank the WBC for granting Lester this opportunity,” said ProBoxTV CEO and Founder Garry Jonas. “I know it’s not easy doing their job with all the twists and turns that can take place at this level of the sport. This is a fair and reasonable outcome that Lester gets a chance to fight for the same belt he competed with Mbilli for. This is a big deal for Lester and his country. Guatemala has never had a world champion and we’re very hopeful he can bring the belt home on March 21st.”
