Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against #1 ranked McWilliams Arroyo as Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA return to action in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday, August 15, exclusively live on DAZN in the US.
Martinez (16-1 12 KOs) makes the second defense of his crown against Arroyo, in the main event brought to you in association with Canelo Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions, and Miguel Cotto Promotions, having thrilled Texas with his first defense of the belt in Matchroom Boxing’s last show before the COVID-19 pandemic in February, coming out on top of an enthralling 12 round battle with Welshman Jay Harris.
The 25-year-old Mexican landed the title with a ninth-round KO win in a ferocious clash with former champion Cristofer Rosales, and the champion is honored to be topping the return of Hearn’s outfit in the States as he looks to cement his place in the division and move towards unification battles.
“I am so happy to be back in the ring again and I promise you another war on August 15,” said Martinez. “With the unification fights ahead of me, it is important to take care of my mandatory challengers and I expect a tough fight with Arroyo. I believe 2020 and 2021 will see me unify and become undisputed and I can’t wait to put a smile back on boxing fans’ faces.”
Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) challenges for a 112lb World title for the third time in his career as he looks to finally get a World strap around his waist. The decorated Puerto Rican amateur was edged out via split decision by IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and then fell to pound-for-pound star Roman’ Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in April 2016 for the WBC and Ring Magazine crowns in California.
The 34-year-old ranked at number one in the WBC enters the bout on the back of three wins in 2019, having returned to Flyweight from a brief stint at Super-Fly, and the former World Amateur Champion is determined to end the talented Mexican’s reign in Tulsa.
“I am thrilled with this opportunity that my promoters Miguel Cotto Promotions, H2 Entertainment, and Golden Boy Promotions have given me since I am ranked number #1 in the WBC, and I am following my dream of becoming a World champion,” said Arroyo.
“I think Julio Cesar Martinez is a great champion. The fans will see a fight full of action due to the styles of both of us. It is very good for boxing Puerto Rico vs. Mexico, and I am eager to take the belt.”
Prior to the lockdown, Cecilia Brækhus was set to defend her undisputed Welterweight championship in Maryland against Jessica McCaskill, and that fight is the co-main feature in Tulsa.
Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs) has dominated the Welterwei
