Julio Cesar Martinez Sees Angelino Cordova As A Step Towards Unification

Being part of a big bill in Las Vegas, on the pay-per-view section of Saturday’s card at the T-Mobile Arena is not enough for WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez. 

The long-reigning king meets Venezuelan challenger Angelino Cordova but does not just want to defend his crown, he wants to move on and unify at 112lbs.

“I’m ready for anything. Like I said before, I’m here to make history, and not only that, this is the beginning of the path to go after all four belts,” said Martinez. “I want to be undisputed. 

“It’s good to be back in Vegas and it will be good to be back inside the ring and I’m eager to show everyone what I’m capable of. I am really excited for you all.”

The Mexican champion is 20-3 (15 KOs) and has banked two victories since losing a decision to the superb future Hall of Famer Roman Gonzalez in March 2022, defeating Samuel Carmona and Ronal Batista. 

“He’s someone who knows how to move, so we are ready for anything,” Martinez said of his opponent. “We can go toe-to-toe, we can go to war, we can also fight quickly but I’m going to come at him with everything but fear. 

“We’re going to come after him, we’re going to pressure him, and we’re going to make sure that he feels us and he knows we’re the champion on March 30.” 

Cordova, 28, is 18-0-1 (12 KOs) and has won three on the spin since a hiatus from 2018 to 2021. Martinez represents a significant step up, but Cordova will not be overawed. He moved up in weight and upset former WBO light flyweight champion Angel Acosta in Indio last year, on the back of a contentious and narrow win over Axel Aragon Vega. 

“I just came here to fight, I came here to get a world title, I came here to give it my all. That’s what I’m going to do,” offered Cordova.

“You’re going to see sparks fly on March 30, it’s going to be a can’t miss fight, I guarantee.”

This fight had been in the works for some time, and was postponed from December – when it was slated for Showtime – after Martinez had visa issues getting into the U.S.

“It’s going to be a historic night and, God willing, I’m going to make it happen,” the challenger added. “I’m excited to do what I came here to do, which is give the fans what they want, which is a war that you’re not going to want to miss.”