As we prepare for the Canelo vs Yildirim fight this weekend, the co-feature of the night might steal the show. WBC World Flyweight Champion Julio Cesar Martinez faces off with McWilliams Arroyo.
Julio Cesar “El Rey” Martinez (17-1, 13 KO’s), of Mexico, made a big splash in the boxing scene two years ago. Martinez was brought over to England and fought the undefeated Charlie Edwards.
At the time, Edwards was the WBC World Flyweight Champion. Martinez was unknown at that time but soon he introduced himself to American audiences quickly.
In what was supposed to be a showcase for Edwards, turn into a nightmare for him. Martinez dominated the fight right away with his sheer aggression. He dropped Edwards in the third round but Martinez hit Edwards while he was down which caused the fight to be ruled a no contest.
Martinez showed not only that he was aggressive but can punch as well. Martinez immediately got a second chance of the WBC title when it became vacant. He stopped Cristofer Rosales in the ninth round. From there, Martinez has made two more defenses of the title and in exciting fashion.
Martinez is a well-conditioned fighter that likes to brawl and he punches with power. So far, he’s a crowd pleaser and a fighter the fans love to see. As he’s looking to establish himself as the top flyweight of the division, he’s also looking to move up to the super flyweight division.
Before Martinez can move forward, he will have a solid fight against McWilliams Arroyo.
McWilliams Arroyo (20-4, 15 KO’s) of Puerto Rico, is an experienced fighter who had a good amateur career. The former 2008 Olympian has been a pro for eleven years but is still looking to win a world title.
He has twice challenged for the title at flyweight but was unsuccessful. However, he fought against top opposition. Those losses were to Amnat Ruenroeng and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez. Those losses were by decision.
Arroyo then moved up to the super flyweight division in 2018 and had his best win when he defeated Carlos Cuadras. He lost his next big fight against Kazuto Ioka. Arroyo decided to move back down to the flyweight division and has had three straight wins since. Based on his defeats, he has only lost to the best fighters by decision.
It should be a good matchup between Martinez and Arroyo. Each fighter will have a lot at stake. A win for Martinez, could land him unification bouts at flyweight or super flyweight.
Also, Martinez will be looking to be the first fighter to stop Arroyo. A win for Arroyo, will rejuvenate his career. Also, he will be Puerto Rico’s second current champion. The other current champion from Puerto Rico is Wilfredo Mendez who is in the strawweight division.
This is also a battle between Mexico and Puerto Rico. There has been historic battles between these two countries but it has been some time since we have seen a really good one. It would be an extra bonus if these two fighters participated in that kind of war. Based on the history and styles of both of these fighters, we might see it.