Sunny Edwards v Julio Cesar Martinez Remains the Fight to Make at 112
In the flyweight division, the highest-profile fight to make is still between WBC champion “El Rey” Julio Cesar Martinez (18-2, 14KOs) and IBF champion Sunny “Showtime” Edwards (18-0, 4KOs). The two champions could meet after a social media repost by Showtime revealed that the two teams are having conversations. (Tweet
In 2021, Edwards made it clear that a target was placed on the back of the WBC champion for a unification. After defeating mandatory challenger Jayson Mama, the brash IBF champion quickly called for the unification.
“Martinez, I’m coming.”
Now, Martinez was not afraid to fight at all, but an opportunity arose and the Mexican champion jumped on it. WBA 115-pound champion Juan Francisco Estrada had to withdraw from the trilogy fight with four-divisional champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez. Martinez pounced at the chance to step in when asked to move up and face the Nicaraguan. El Rey came into the fight with all the support of the Mexican fan base and fought valiantly. However, Martinez would lose in a wide decision as Gonzalez put on a masterclass performance.
This has not prevented Showtime from wanting to still fight in a unification. Moreover, Martinez’s value is not diminished by the loss to Gonzalez, and he is still a champion in the division. Fans remain eager to see the two champions fight as it is considered the biggest fight in the division.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has stated that there is still interest in making the fight during an interview with iFL TV. One of the reasons that Edwards parted ways with previous promoter Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions was to land these kinds of fights. It looks like that move may pay off as the news of both teams talking is a good sign.
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By: Garrisson Bland
