Martinez aims to defend WBC crown against Arroyo

WBC Press

World Boxing Council flyweight champion Julio César “Rey” Martínez wants to return to the ring on the card headed by WBC super-middleweight champion Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, most likely in September.

The Martinez agenda involves defending his Green and Gold Belt against interim champion McWilliams Arroyo of Puerto Rico.

Martinez is coming off scoring a sixth-round knockout of his compatriot Joel Córdova on June 26 in Mexico, on a card that was broadcast on DAZN.

“Mr. Eddy Reynoso told us that if we finished with Córdoba early and spectacularly, we could be in the next Canelo Álvarez card. We have to determine the date in September and we will be totally ready,” said Martínez.

The 26-year-old “King” became ill before defending his title against Francisco “Chihuas” Rodríguez on December 19, on the card in which Álvarez (56-1-2, 38KOs) categorically defeated the British. Callum Smith.

Two months later, Martínez was unable to make his mandatory defense against Puerto Rican Arroyo, due to a fractured right hand.

Arroyo was approved to contest for the division’s Interim title, knocking out Mexican Abraham Rodríguez in the fifth round.

“The next thing for us is to do the mandatory defense against Arroyo. After that, I want to become the undisputed flyweight champion. Once I do, I would love to climb to 115 pounds and fight the best fighters there.”