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Martinez beat Immanuwel Aleem over 12 rounds on Saturday night time in San Bernardino, controlling many of the battle and shutting sturdy within the later rounds. It was a strong efficiency, however not one which pressured his identify into the highest tier at 168. He nonetheless went there.
“Not solely do I consider I might compete, I consider I might truly win,” Martinez stated after the battle.
That decision lands at a time when Canelo’s subsequent transfer continues to be open. He hasn’t fought since his loss to Terence Crawford final September, however a return tied to Mexican Independence Day weekend is already being mentioned. No opponent has been confirmed.
At this level, the very best and maybe solely likelihood Lester has of getting a battle towards Canelo is that if the Mexican star defeats WBC 168-lb champion Christian Mbilli in September. The best way Canelo carried out towards Crawford, getting previous Mbilli to battle Lester are unlikely.
Martinez is one among a number of names making an attempt to enter that dialog. Chris Eubank Jr has been talked about for a possible stadium battle within the UK. Hamzah Sheeraz is another choice being floated. A rematch with Dmitry Bivol stays a chance as properly, relying on how these talks develop. Martinez’s push comes from a distinct place.
He drew with Christian Mbilli in his earlier outing and adopted it with a managed win over Aleem. His coach, Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, added to the momentum throughout battle week by evaluating him to Marvin Hagler, elevating expectations earlier than the battle even started.
Saturday’s end result saved him energetic within the combine, nevertheless it didn’t separate him from the group chasing greater fights. That hasn’t stopped him from aiming on the largest one. Canelo hasn’t named his opponent but. Till he does, fighters will maintain placing their names ahead. Martinez made certain his was one among them.
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