WBC flyweight king Julio Cesar Martinez is plotting to unify the 112lbs titles should he take care of business against countryman Joel Cordova at the Dome Alcalde – CODE Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Saturday.
Mexican Martinez still has a twice delayed mandatory against McWilliams Arroyo to negotiate, but his eventual goal is bringing some semblance of unity to the fractured flyweight division.
IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards is perhaps the main draw with an angle already in place after Martinez’s bout with brother and then WBC title holder Charlie Edwards in August 2019. On that night, Martinez seemed on course for victory before he hit a floored Edwards with a body shot while the Englishman was down. After that bout was ruled a No Contest, Edwards moved up in weight and Martinez won the vacant WBC crown. Now the Mexican wants more belts and the other Edwards.
“My goal? To have all the belts and be the best pound for pound in flyweight,” said Martinez (17-1, 13 KOs & 1 NC). “So, as I have always said: with whoever, wherever. Sunny Edwards just crowned himself. I beat his brother; I took his belt. I would be proud and very happy if he gives me the opportunity to fight with him for unification.
“With [WBA champion] Artem Dalakian it would be a prideful [moment], too. He is undefeated as well. A fighter who is willing to clash, who is capable of knockouts. Now, as I have always said, I want to face the best. That’s what we’re here for.
“[WBO champion] Junto Nakatani is a fighter with a lot of style, a lot of technique and, of the elite. Again, as I have always said, I want to face the best and make history.”
Main image: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing.