Julio Cesar Martinez To Face Artem Dalakian August 15 In China
There are few things in boxing more anticipated than a unification bout. It pits the best against the best, something embraced by all fight fans. Because of the business of the sport, they rarely happen. However, when it does, it’s hallelujah time for observers of the Sweet Science.
A unification bout will take place in the flyweight division according to Salvador Rodriguez of ESPN Knockout. WBC World Flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez (16-1, 12 KOs) will step in the ring to face WBA World Flyweight champion Artem Dalakian (20-0, 14 KOs) on August 15 in China.
“EL REY” FULL OF CONFIDENCE
Confirming the news to Jose Antonio Soriano of NotiFight, Martinez and his trainer Eddie Reynoso stated they will be ready and have started the process of getting training camp organized. The plan is to meet manager Mauricio Aceves soon, with training for the fight against Dalakian to take place at the Otomi Ceremonial Center in Temoaya, Mexico.
For the 25-year-old power-puncher from Mexico City, he’s not only confident of victory, but has big plans moving forward.
“We have already seen fights from the Ukrainian and he embraces a lot. With the preparation that we will do, we will have to win and go for the other titles.
I want to be the only flyweight in the world and have those four belts. Then I want to go up to super flyweight to face the best like ´Gallo´ Estrada, ´Chocolatito´ González, Tanaka, and to wait with great eagerness
He is a good boxer. We all want to win and have those belts and this is not going to be the exception. You can see that he does not hit hard, but if he is someone who does not let you do your fight, he hugs a lot, connects two punches, and hugs you. He sticks his head in and we have to figure all that out.”
A JUICY MATCH-UP
Despite the self-assurance of Martinez, Dalakian is someone not to be slept on. The 32-year-old from Dnipro, Ukraine will be the toughest test of Martinez’s career, offering a style that’s more than capable of defeating the Mexican.
With good boxing skills and underrated punching power, the WBA 112-pound champ also has the foot movement that could spell problems for the eager and aggressive WBC champ. And despite his age, the confident Dalakian seems to be fighting better than ever.
Final details on the Martinez – Dalakian unification showdown has not been released, but expect an official announcement soon as far as where in China this takes place, as well as what network will carry the fight. However, with Martinez inking a deal with DAZN in October 2019, it’s a high probability the fight will be aired on that streaming service.
For boxing observers, they will not care about the small details. The bottom line, it’s a unification fight which is always a good thing. As the sport makes its comeback to regularity, the fans will watch and rejoice regardless.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
