The WBC has sanctioned an interim super middleweight title fight between Guatemala’s Lester Martinez and Immanuwel Aleem. The fight will be staged by ProBoxTV.
Martinez recently visited WBC officials in Mexico City, where he collected his Fight of the Year trophy for his September draw with now full WBC champion Christian Mbilli on the Terence Crawford-Saul “Canelo” Alvarez card in Las Vegas. “As president of the WBC, I am thrilled to know such an amazing young man as Lester,” Mauricio Sulaiman said. “We are committed to supporting boxing and its development, worldwide.”
ProBox founder and Martinez promoter Garry Jonas moved quickly to secure Aleem, who last fought in July, to keep Martinez active. “I’d like to thank the WBC for granting Lester this opportunity,” Jonas said. “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 21.”
Martinez, 30, admitted lingering frustration over the draw with Mbilli. “I really thought I won the fight on September 13, and it’s been frustrating to not get a rematch with Mbilli,” he said. “I very much appreciate Mauricio 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 21.” He later added on ProBoxTV that the Fight of the Year recognition was “great recognition” and proof his career is becoming “more serious.”
Aleem, described by analyst Paulie Malignaggi as a tricky “banana peel” opponent, stands between Martinez and a potential shot at the full title. “We’re at that level, and I know my next fight will be for a world title,” Martinez said. When asked whether he would prefer Alvarez or Mbilli should he win, he replied: “I want to beat a truly great boxer and I want to be a world champion. … Of course, I’m interested in both.”
Image Credit: WBA