Experienced Boxing Champion Julio César Martínez Vacates Flyweight Title, Sets Sights on Super Flyweight Division
In a strategic move, seasoned boxer Julio César Martínez (21-3, 15 KO) has officially vacated his WBC flyweight title, announcing his decision to transition to the super flyweight division. The 29-year-old Mexican brawler, managed by the renowned Eddy Reynoso (trainer of Saul “Canelo” Alvarez), shared his rationale through a statement on the WBC’s website.
“After careful reflection, I vacated the flyweight title to pursue new opportunities at super flyweight. This step will allow me to continue growing as a boxer and face new challenges. I am very grateful to the WBC for their support throughout my career,” Martínez said.
Martínez’s last fight on March 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas saw him secure a majority decision victory over the previously unbeaten Angelino Cordova on a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card, marking his debut on the PBC platform after an extended run on Matchroom cards.
The former flyweight champion’s decision to move up in weight class follows Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez’s recent move to vacate his IBF and WBO flyweight titles in order to return to the super flyweight division. With Seigo Yuri Akui of Japan being the sole remaining WBA titleholder at flyweight, the division is set to experience a significant shift in the coming months.
Martínez’s rise to prominence began in 2019 when he knocked out Charlie Edwards, the older brother of Sunny Edwards, in London to win the WBC title, though the decision was later changed to a no-contest due to an illegal shot. He subsequently captured the vacant WBC title in a fight against Cristofer Rosales later that year, going on to successfully defend the title seven times over the course of 4 years and 5 months.
Despite his dominant reign, Martínez was not without his challenges, including missed weight and canceled bouts. His most notable setback was the loss to the future Hall of Famer Roman ‘Chocolatito’ González in 2022, when he fought at super flyweight and failed to make the weight.
The WBC has not yet announced a matchup for the vacant flyweight title, with the top contenders being No. 1 ranked Angel Ayala (17-0, 7 KO) and No. 2 ranked Francisco Rodriguez Jr (38-6-1, 26 KO). Cristofer Rosales (37-6, 22 KOs) currently holds the No. 3 spot in the organization’s rankings.
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