WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez is suffering from a respiratory infection and will no longer defend his title against mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo on Matchroom USA’s comeback show set for Tulsa on August 15.
The illness, not related to Covid-19, caused Martinez to delay training and now a future date is being sought. Eddy Reynoso, Martinez’s manager and co-trainer who more notably coaches Canelo Alvarez, sent a medical certificate from the Mexico City Boxing Commission to request the postponement.
The fight is likely to be rearranged for September. Arroyo is remaining in training in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, in anticipation of a new fight date.
Martinez (16-1, 12 KOS and 1 NC) is one of Mexico’s brightest stars. He gained notoriety in the UK for his three bouts against Andrew Selby (WKO5), Charlie Edwards (NC3) and Jay Harris (W12).
There is no official word yet on the status of the August 15 promotion in Tulsa. It already features a ready-made replacement for the main event in undisputed welterweight champ Cecilia Braekhus’ attempt to break Joe Louis’ record of title defences against Jessica McCaskill.