Lester Martinez Fights Immanuwel Aleem for WBC Interim Title Saturday

WBC interim belt on the line as winner moves into mandatory position at 168 pounds

Lester Martinez faces Immanuwel Aleem on Saturday in San Bernardino for the WBC interim super middleweight title, live on ProBox TV. The winner moves directly into mandatory position at 168 pounds.

Martinez (19-0-1, 16 KOs) enters ranked No. 3 by the WBC and is attempting to become Guatemala’s first world champion. Aleem (22-3-3, 14 KOs) arrives as a seasoned contender willing to travel for the opportunity.

Aleem made his approach clear during media day.

“Champions are made in people’s backyards. You have to go and get the title,” Aleem said.

“We know who we’re going up against. I don’t understand what an underdog is. I can fight. I can see. And I’ve got hands.”

He kept it direct on execution.

“Just follow the game plan, execute and gain the world title. Perform. Martinez is my main focus.”

Martinez answered with his own line on the stakes and the moment.

“You’re not Crawford, and I’m Lester Martinez. And that title is going home, back to Guatemala,” Martinez said.

“I have a lot to win. I have a lot to lose.”

“I know after this fight I will be the official challenger to Canelo-Mbilli, so I promise to do my best.”

Both camps acknowledged the level of the fight without stretching it. Trainer Brian “BoMac” McIntyre pointed to Aleem’s experience.

“Aleem is not in there by mistake. He’s in there by what he’s done in the past,” McIntyre said.

Martinez works behind a steady jab and commits to the right hand once he sets his feet, building combinations when he has position. Aleem relies on timing and counters, looking to disrupt rhythm and turn exchanges when opponents step in.

Aleem needs to hold his ground and force Martinez to work for every round. Martinez needs to keep the pressure steady and make Aleem fight at his pace.

The winner leaves with the WBC interim belt and a direct path toward a title fight at super middleweight.