WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez will face Joel Cordova at the Domo Alcade – Code Jalisco in Guadalajara on June 26, in the first of a four-fight series in Mexico launched by Matchroom Boxing, DAZN, Canelo Promotions and Eddy Reynoso’s Clase y Talento.
The June 26 fight night, as well as the three subsequent events in Mexico, will feature on DAZN’s global boxing schedule and be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN – including in Mexico.
Together with partners Canelo Promotions and Clase y Talento, Matchroom and DAZN will collaborate with pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez and his esteemed trainer Reynoso to showcase the best in Mexican championship boxing, and unearth new talent from the proud boxing nation.
“This is a great chance for Mexican fighters to follow their dreams,” said Canelo. “Sometimes our champions have to travel internationally to defend their belts and land opportunities. We plan on providing those opportunities in Mexico and giving young fighters the chance to develop and change their lives.”
“I am very proud to bring this exciting new project to Mexico and these new opportunities for our fighters,” said Reynoso. “There is so much talent in our country and these new shows will allow our champions to defend their belts on home soil and our prospects to get the chance to continue to grow.”
“This is such an exciting project and partnership, and I can’t wait to get started on June 26 and add even more action to the DAZN global schedule,” added Matchroom supremo Eddie Hearn. “It’s no secret that Mexico is blessed with boxing talent and passionate fans that truly embrace the sport. This new project will breathe new life into the sport in Mexico and give young fighters and champions the opportunity to flourish.”
In the first headliner in the series, Martinez (17-1, 13 KOs) will defend his WBC crown for the third time against fellow Mexican Cordova (12-4-2, 3 KOs).
“I am so happy to be able to fight again and make a much-anticipated comeback,” said Martinez. “I am even more excited to be able to fight in my home country of Mexico and defend my title here. I am very motivated to reignite my career on such a platform.”
“I’ve waited for this opportunity for so long that I won’t waste my chance to fulfill my dreams of becoming world champion,” added Cordova. “I want to thank Matchroom and my company BXSTRS for making my dream come true. Maybe I’m not known by many, but after June 26, many will know my name. I know Martinez is a solid champion, but strength is not the only thing needed to win, it requires motivation, desire and there’s no one who can beat me in those. I have waited my whole life for this moment.”
Meanwhile, Cuba’s Daniel Matellon (11-0-2, 6 KOs) will make the first defence of his WBA light-flyweight title against Jose Argumedo (24-4-1, 15 KOs), having been promoted to full champion after landing the interim belt in February 2020.
In other action, Gabriel Valenzuela (23-2-1, 13 KOs) looks to build on his victory over Robbie Davies Jr. in February against selected opposition.