SUNNY EDWARDS INSISTS MARTINEZ SHOULD HAVE WBC BELT TAKEN OFF HIM

Press Release: By Probellum – SHEFFIELD, NOVEMBER  7 – Sunny Edwards insists Julio Cesar Martinez deserved to be stripped of his WBC title the second he walked away from their unification fight. 

Credit: Probellum 

Edwards and Martinez were deep into negotiations to stage a blockbuster fight in Mexico last month, for the IBF and WBC world flyweight titles. 

Britain’s Edwards had been pushing to make the fight happen for months, but Martinez turned his back on the showdown and, instead, agreed to face his mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo in December. 

Edwards had to quickly put the disappointment of Martinez’s withdrawal behind him and, on Friday, night at Probellum Sheffield, the man known as ‘Showtime’ defends his belt against the extremely dangerous Felix Alvarado. 

But the 26-year-old is adamant there should be more than his IBF crown on the line at the Utilita Arena this week. 

“Martinez is not a rival of mine, he’s a muppet,” said Edwards, in scathing attack on the Mexican.   

“I saw him as easy work, but I was trying to sell it as being my hardest fight to date. 

“The WBC title should be vacant, and it should be on the line for me and Alvarado on November 11.  Martinez was paying step-aside money, to an overdue mandatory challenger, and then pulled out of the fight. 

“Whoever is advising Martinez has told him to stay a million miles away from Sunny Edwards.  He has avoided me like the plague. 

“And, for me, Martinez is done in the division now.” 

Edwards wants to land a big-time fight with Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in 2023 and had invited the US star to be at ringside in Sheffield this week. 

But the charismatic champion knows he cannot afford to overlook the hard-hitting Alvarado, who was previously an IBF title holder at light flyweight. 

“I have become one of the most avoided fighters in world boxing, but Felix Alvarado has the courage to face me on November 11, and that makes him an extremely dangerous opponent,” Edwards said. 

“I have grand plans to become the undisputed flyweight world champion, and then move through the weights, and I am totally confident that will happen - but there is no room for error against a fighter of Alvarado’s calibre, that’s for sure.” 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Probellum Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Gonzalez-Martinez Thoughts

 

For many years and with rare exceptions Boxing’s lower weight divisions received sporadic television exposure here in the United States. Of course, the rare exceptions include fighters like Michael Carbajai, Jorge Arce, and Ricardo Lopez to name three notable exceptions were able to break through what some would call a glass ceiling and receive valuable television exposure due largely to their crowd pleasing styles, which resonated as much here in the U.S. as it did internationally where consistent television exposure for the sport’s lowest weight divisions is more consistent. There is no dispute that all three men had legendary careers and are regarded as three of the best fighters throughout the entire sport’s history.

 

In more recent years thanks largely to the advent of digital streaming networks and a gradual decrease of Boxing programming on traditional television platforms, fighters in the lower weight divisions have been able to take advantage of the increased exposure that digital streaming television has to offer. No longer are fighters below the 126lb. Featherweight division relegated to sporadic television coverage and/or obscure undercard bouts on overpriced pay-per-view Boxing cards, but rather fighters in the lower weight classes have been moved into main event positions. One such fighter who has been able to take advantage of this is former four-division world champion Roman Gonzalez, a fighter known to his fans by one simple name “Chocolatito.”  

 

As has been the case for several lower weight fighters, Gonzalez has had a long career that began at an early age as a professional and at the age of thirty-four after fifty-three professional fights, many of which have been grueling wars, it was logical to at least ask how much more Gonzalez might have left, especially when one keeps in mind that when it comes to Boxing’s lower weight divisions it is not uncommon to see a fighter’s career end by their mid-30’s. While that can be attributed to both the fact that many fighters in lower weight classes begin their pro careers as teenagers as well as the quick and often grueling pace in which many fights in those divisions are fought, there are exceptions where fighters are able to extend their careers beyond their mid-30’s and in some cases be able to compete into their 40’s.

 

Although this observer can expand on that subject further, for Gonzalez, the only four-division world champion in the history of his native Nicaragua, surpassing the legendary late great Alexis Arguello, at this stage of his career, the goal appears obvious, setting his sights on trying to win a world championship in a fifth weight class. Before he could turn his attention to that goal, Gonzalez would return to the ring on March 5^th at the San Diego Sports Arena, now known as Pechanga Arena in San Diego, CA.

 

Originally, this was to be the much anticipated third encounter between Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada. As some may recall, Estrada earned a twelve round split decision victory in their second encounter in March of last year. A fight that some felt Gonzalez deserved the decision. While Estrada’s win evened the two fights between the two following Gonzalez’ win in November 2012, unfortunately the third encounter between the two is still something that would not occur on March 5th due to Estrada contracting the COVID-19 virus. In stepped WBC Flyweight world champion Julio Cesar Martinez who moved up in weight to the 115lb. Jr. Bantamweight division on limited notice for this bout. Complicating things for Martinez, he failed to make the 115lb. weight limit. Although this did not effect the fight in terms of its taking place, it did remove Martinez from being eligible to win a WBC Diamond belt, which in the overall picture simply means one of the titles that is used both for special occasions as deemed by the World Boxing Council (WBC) or as a means to move fighters into world title contention.

 

The politics that be in the sport notwithstanding, this figured to be an all action fight as both fighters have crowd pleasing styles. Even though it did not disappoint in terms of entertainment value, the main story of this fight was Gonzalez and his ability to use angles and strategically place his punches to the body and head of Martinez. Although Martinez had periods of effectiveness in which he was able to use his aggression to his advantage, Gonzalez’ punch placement and ability to both set up as well as execute his offense was simply too much for Martinez to overcome on that evening. Despite appearing as though he may have been on the verge of being stopped by Gonzalez late in the fight however, Martinez showed his mettle and made it to the final bell in losing a hard fought twelve round unanimous decision.

 

For Gonzalez, the fifty-first victory of his career in fifty-four fights puts him right back in line for another world title shot. For a fighter who has won world championships from the 105lb. Minimumweight division to the 115lb. Jr. Bantamweight division, the question seems obvious. At this stage of his career, will Gonzalez attempt to become Nicaragua’s first five-division world champion by attempting to move up to the 118lb. Bantamweight division to challenge for a world title?

 

This observer cannot answer that question for his readers. Perhaps before we see Roman Gonzalez test the waters at Bantamweight, I personally would like to see the third encounter between Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada, who is the current WBC/WBA Jr. Bantamweight world champion. After two very competitive fights over the last decade, each that could have been scored either way, as well as the fact that the third encounter would have taken place if Estrada did not contract COVID-19, it is unfinished business between the two. Whether or not a third fight does take place later this year or if Gonzalez will move up to Bantamweight will likely come down to how quickly Estrada will be able to be cleared to resume competition.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

 

JULIO CESAR MARTINEZ CLASHES WITH CHOCOLATITO GONZALEZ MARCH 5TH ON DAZN

 Press Release: January 25, 2022 By DAZN – World Flyweight ruler moves up in weight against Super-Fly legend on March 05

 

Julio Cesar Martinez will face Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez at the Pechanga Arena San Diego in San Diego, California on Saturday, March 5, live worldwide on DAZN. 

Credit:DAZN

 

Martinez (18-1 14 KOs) fights at 115lbs for the first time and does so against a legend of the weight in Chocolatito (50-3 41 KOs), with the Mexican stepping in to replace Juan Francisco Estrada, who has been forced out of his trilogy clash with Chocolatito with COVID.

 

Martinez’s last action was a trademark all-action shootout with McWilliams Arroyo in New Hampshire in November, with both men hitting the canvas in the opening round and Martinez flooring Arroyo in the second before the contest was stopped with Arroyo suffering a cut.

 

The exciting Mexican has spoken freely of his desire to move up in weight and challenge himself against the cream of the 115lb scene like Chocolatito and Estrada, and opportunity has knocked loudly for the 26 year old to announce himself at Super-Flyweight in San Diego and ‘El Rey’ plans to do so in style against the Nicaraguan star.

 

“I am thrilled that I am able to move up in weight and fight the very best straight away,” said Martinez. “Chocolatito is a living legend and a fighter I have always admired, so to be fighting him in my first fight at Super-Flyweight is special – but on the night, it’s going to be war and I am ready for it. 

 

“I have ambitions to unify the Flyweight division and that flame still burns, but this fight is so huge for me, and I did not hesitate to accept it – I promise the fans that I will put on a show.”

 

“What a fight!” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Julio has ambitions to become a pound-for-pound star, and this is what the greats do – meet huge challenges head on and take them with both hands. Chocolatito is a modern great and he’s relishing this test against El Rey – I cannot wait for this fight and I’m so happy that both men have signed on the dotted line to deliver this brilliant fight to the fans.”

 

A stacked undercard sees Mauricio Lara return to action against Emilio Sanchez, Angel Fierro defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Juan Carlos Burgos, Diego Pacheco tastes eight round action for the fourth time against Genc Pllana, Marc Castro is in his sixth pro fight, Anthony Herrera fights for the second time in the paid ranks and Australian Skye Nicolson makes her pro debut.

 

Tickets starting at $50 are on sale now from Ticketmaster - fans that require refunds from the original headline fight should contact their point of purchase.

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: DAZN Used with permission.

 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com.

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Andrade KO’s Quigley In 2 To Retain WBO Middleweight World Championship

 

Undefeated WBO Middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade scored a statement-making second round knockout of WBO number ten rated Middleweight contender Jason Quigley on Friday night at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH. Andrade, who is a two-division world champion having previously held the WBO Jr. Middleweight crown, was making the fifth defense of his WBO Middleweight world championship. An extremely talented boxer with an impressive skillset, Andrade has faced struggles in securing lucrative fights in and around the 160lb. Middleweight division due to his Boxing style that while dominant does not always result in entertaining knockouts the generate interest to secure some of those lucrative fights. Andrade was not interested in going twelve rounds in this title defense as he patiently waited for his opening and then landed a short left hook to the head that sent Quigley down. In round two, Andrade did not allow Quigley time to recover dropping him a second time with a left hook to the head. The end came when a combination landed and sent Quigley down for a third time forcing a stoppage of the bout. Official time of the stoppage was 2:24 of round two. Demetrius Andrade advances to 31-0, with 19 Knockouts. Jason Quigley falls to 19-2, with 14 Knockouts.

 

Also on this card:

 

In a disappointing clash for the WBC Flyweight world championship, champion Julio Cesar Martinez and veteran McWilliams Arroyo fought to a three round no contest. It did not take long for the action to heat up as the challenger Arroyo dropped Martinez midway through the first round with a flush left hook to the jaw that sent the champion down into the ropes. Although Martinez did not go down fully, the ropes did prevent him from going down, but also his glove did touch the canvas. Late in round one, the champion answered back by dropping Arroyo with a left hook of his own to the head. Round two saw Martinez score a second knockdown of the challenger with a left hook followed by a push. Although the push was clear, it was ruled a knockdown. Later in round two, Arroyo was cut over the right eye as a result of an accidental clash of heads. At the beginning of round three, Arroyo informed the ringside physician that he could not see resulting in the no contest being rendered. Julio Cesar Martinez maintains his record of 18-1-0 1NC, with 14 Knockouts. McWilliams Arroyo maintains his record of 21-4-0-1NC, with 16 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated unified IBF/WBA Jr. Featherweight world champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev scored a dominant twelve round unanimous decision over a very “Game” Jose Velasquez. The challenger consistently pressed the action from start to finish and was the aggressor throughout, but it was Akhmadaliev’s cleaner punches, angles, and ring generalship that resulted in him retaining his unified world championship via unanimous decision. Official scores were: 119-109 (On all three scorecards) for Akhmadaliev. Murodjon Akhmadaliev advances to 10-0, with 7 Knockouts. Jose Velasquez falls to 29-7-2, with 19 Knockouts.

 

In a bout for the WBA/IBO/WBO Jr. Welterweight world championship, WBA/IBO world champion Kali Reis scored a hard fought ten round split decision over top contender Jessica Camara. Reis started the fight at a quick pace, but as the fight progressed the challenger pressed the action and landed several right hands and left hooks to the head that appeared to be the cleaner punches through the middle rounds. With the championship seemingly slipping away, Reis was able to get a second wind in the closing rounds to earn the nod on two of three judges scorecards to retain her championship and add the vacant WBO championship to her unified crown. Reis now advances to face undefeated WBC/IBF Jr. Welterweight world champion Chantelle Cameron in 2022 to determine an undisputed world champion in the Women’s 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division. Official scores were 97-93 (Reis), 95-94 (Camara), and 97-93 in favor of Reis. Kali Reis advances to 19-7-1, with 7 Knockouts. Jessica Camara falls to 8-3, with 0 Knockouts.

 

Undefeated Heavyweight Demsey McKean battered an over matched Don Haynesworth over six one-sided rounds to earn a stoppage win early in the sixth round. Official time was :27 of round six. Demsey McKean advances to 20-0, with 13 Knockouts. Don Haynesworth falls to 16-8-1, with 14 Knockouts.

 

Unbeaten Jr. Welterweight Nelson Perez scored a four round unanimous decision over Raymundo Cardiel. Perez dropped Cardiel in an exchange of left hooks in the first round where his simply landed first. This was followed by a second knockdown in round two with another left hook to the head of Cardiel. Although Perez simply could not miss with his left hand and it seemed Cardiel was outgunned, to his credit, Cardiel hung in there and made it to the final bell. All three official judges scored the bout 40-34 in favor of Perez. Nelson Perez advances to 5-0, with 2 Knockouts. Raymundo Cardiel falls to 3-8-2 with 3 Knockouts.

 

In a battle of unbeaten Cruiserweights Thomas O'Toole scored a first round knockout of previously undefeated Mark Malone. The southpaw O'Toole rocked Malone with a left hand that staggered him and while against the ropes O’Toole unleashed a vicious left hook to the head that sent Malone down and out on the canvas. Official time of the stoppage was 1:31 of round one. Malone was down for a few minutes following the knockout, but was able to leave the ring under his own power. Thomas O’Toole advances to 2-0, with 2 Knockouts. Mark Malone falls to 1-1, with 0 Knockouts.  

 

Light-Heavyweights Khalil Coe and Aaron Casper began the evening by fighting to a four round majority draw. Coe had a solid first round mixing his attack to the body and head of Casper. From round two on however, Casper seemed to get more aggressive and brought the fight to Coe and forcing the combat on the inside. While neither fighter never stood out clearly from the other, it appeared Casper dictated the fight down the stretch. Official scores were 39-37 (Coe), and 38-38 (On two scorecards. Khalil Coe advances to 1-0-1, with 1 Knockout. Aaron Casper advances to 6-4-2, with 5 Knockouts.

 

This latest victory for Demetrius Andrade was the type that in a perfect Boxing universe would drum up demand for him to face the other champions in the division including WBC world champion Jermall Charlo and the winner of the upcoming unification bout between unified IBF/IBO Middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin and WBA champion Ryota Murata, which will take place on December 29^th in Tokyo, Japan, in scoring a quick conclusive knockout where he did not leave much room for critics to criticize his performance if they were to do so objectively..  Boxing unfortunately is far from a perfect universe, but Andrade has done everything he can do as a defending champion to make the argument for the lucrative fights that have thus far eluded him. While there is certainly more that goes into the equation on the business end of the sport, this observer asks this simple question. After thirty-one consecutive wins and being a world champion in two different divisions, what more does Demetrius Andrade have to do to get one lucrative fight let alone the slew of lucrative opportunities normally available to the top stars in the sport?

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

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