WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez will make the third defence of his crown against Francisco Rodriguez Jr. on the Canelo Alvarez vs Callum Smith undercard at the Alamodome in San Antonio on December 19.
Martinez (17-1, 13 KOs) was last seen destroying Moises Calleros in two rounds in Mexico City in October. Fellow Mexican Rodriguez (33-4-1, 24 KOs) was previously the WBO and IBF strawweight champion and is currently riding a five-year unbeaten streak.
“I’m so honoured to be fighting on the undercard of Saul [Canelo],” said Martinez. “I’m going to leave everything to God as always and have faith that he’ll ensure it all goes well. Hopefully, that night I’ll get a knockout.
“We know that this guy is very strong, that he’s coming very well prepared. It’s going to be a tough fight but we know as always we’ve prepared 1000 per cent and we have no fear. [I’m] going to leave everything in the ring. I still have three kilos to lose but I have two, almost three weeks left to lose that. I’m excited and anxious.
“I’m appreciative of everything from Mr. Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for all of their support. I want to also thank Eddy Reynoso and my trainer Mauricio Aceves who are always so attentive as well as my family. ‘Somos con todos menos con miedo’. Blessings.”
Rodriguez added: “I want to thank Martínez and his team as well as Matchroom for giving me this opportunity. It is a pleasure to fight in the biggest card of the year. Martinez is a solid champion and a good fighter but with all due respect he hasn’t fought someone like me, I been waiting for this shot for almost five years and it comes at a perfect timing – I won’t waste it.”