Lester Martinez talked about a possible fight against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez mere moments after cruising to a routine win over Immanuwel Aleem in front of a well-attended crowd at Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino atop a ProBox TV card on Saturday, March 21.
Much had been made about Martinez’s possible credentials at super middleweight, after he got prominent billing alongside Christian Mbilli on the Canelo-Crawford undercard, leaving the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with a disputed draw. Ahead of his return to the boxing ring this weekend, Martinez’s coach, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre generated more hype for his fighter by comparing him to all-time great 160-pounder Marvin Hagler.
Martinez didn’t disappoint.
In a fun fight that culminated with a ferocious 11th round, Martinez again showed he’s a fan-favorite at both the gate, and for fans at home, with a wide win over Aleem.
He then reiterated his interest in fighting Canelo, a former staple on the pound-for-pound rankings.
“Not only do I believe I could compete, I believe I could actually win, and we have to win.”
Canelo hasn’t boxed since his loss to Crawford the same night Martinez fought Mbilli, but is linked with a September return to coincide with Mexican Independence Day weekend — a key fixture on boxing’s calendar which the popular Mexican effectively trademarked of late.
He is yet to confirm an opponent. Martinez wants his shot for seemingly one reason and one reason only — he foresees victory over Canelo if they ever fought.
“With my team behind me, I believe I can win the fight,” Martinez said at the post-fight ProBox TV press conference.
Watch it right here:
Though Canelo has other options such as Chris Eubank Jr — possibly at a British soccer stadium — Hamzah Sheeraz, or a rematch with Dmitry Bivol, if he were to entertain Martinez, it would perhaps give he and coach Eddy Reynoso the chance at revenge over BoMac, who helped Crawford to victory last September, and is prominent in Martinez’s corner, too.
MUST READ:
Alan Dawson is Boxing Social’s editor.
He is also a columnist for Uncrowned at Yahoo Sport, a TV host for Swerve Combat, and the founder-moderator of Boxing Twitter — a 20,000-strong community on X.
A 17-year sports media veteran, Alan has enjoyed extensive stints at Business Insider as a correspondent, BT Sport as digital editor, and Give Me Sport as combat sports editor.
He is a 2-time Sports Journalist of the Year finalist and has been honored six times by the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Alan grew up near London but is based in Nevada with his young family. Outside boxing he plays 8-handicap golf, hikes, and rides his ebike through the Sierra mountain trails.
View all articles →