Despite the coronavirus pandemic, WBC flyweight world champion Julio César 'Rey' Martínez is working very hard. In fact, his team is hoping to have at least two or three more fights this year, as they aim to secure a unification fight in the flyweight division by September.
Trained by Mauricio Aceves and guided by Eddy Reynoso, the young champion has quickly earned a place in the Mexican public's preference for his boldness and openness in and out of the ring. However, they don't expect an easy path for career advancement.
Aceves revealed that it is likely that they may have a chance to fight in July, which is why they began to speed up the pace in training in Mexico City. The group's preference is a fight where they can unify titles, and South Africa's Moruti Mthalane, champion of the International Boxing Federation, is the target.
"They told us to be ready for July, we don't know an opponent or where, but our intention is [to fight in that month]. And if everything goes well, fighting in September, there could be a unification on Canelo's undercard," Aceves said to ESPN Deportes.
Martinez is already going to start sparring this week, at least a few rounds to get loose.
“We have no opponent for July, but they already know that Julio César has no problem with whoever they put in front of us. He will be ready for whenever they tell him, he already wants to return to the ring,” said the coach, who, along with with Eddy Reynoso and promoter Eddie Hearn, have managed to give Martinez a great path.
Martinez captured the title last December against Nicaraguan Cristofer Rosales and made his first defense against Jay Harris in February.
In addition to Mthalane, the flyweight division has has Artem Dalakian as WBA champion (with Luis Concepción as interim champ), while the WBO belt is currently vacant.
With a record of 16-1 and 12 knockouts, Martínez is one of eight world champions that Mexico has men's boxing - along with Saúl 'Canelo' Alvarez, Miguel 'Alacrán' Berchelt, Leo 'El Famoso Terremoto' Santa Cruz, Rey Vargas, Emmanuel 'Vaquero' Navarrete, Juan Francisco 'Gallo' Estrada and Elwin 'Pulga' Soto.
