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Philippines, 04 Mar 2026 |
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Ronal Batista Ready to Challenge “Rey” Martínez in Canelo’s May 6 Guadalajara Show By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Wed, 19 Apr 2023  Panamanian 115-pounder Ronal Batista (15-2, 9 KO's, in the photos), currently WBC #38, WBA #8 in the super flyweights, will trim down to the flyweight division to challenge popular, hard-swinging Mexican WBC flyweight world champion Julio Cesar "Rey" Martinez (19-2, 14 KO's). The 12-round clash is one of the title fights supporting Canelo's mega show on May 6 at the the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. Martinez, 28, comes into his 5th title defense from a December majority decision win over tough Spaniard Samuel Cardona. Meanwhile, Panama's challenger Batista, 26, arrives into his first world-title battle from a difficult December win over Nicaragua journeyman Jose Cordero (12-17-5, 0 KO's). In that battle, the unheralded Cordero, a man who has never won any of his 34 fights by knockout, managed to knock down Batista... The brave Batista, however, got up from the floor to claim the W over the Niaraguan in chapter four.  The above prompts fans to think: "If a really patsy boxer like Cordero managed to put Batista down on the canvas on his behind, what would a power-puncher like "Rey" Martinez do?" In fact, the team of champion "Rey" Martinez 100% preferred a far more attractive rematch defense against Puerto RIcan mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo. Unfortunately, the former champ Arroyo (21-4, 16 KO's) was unable to be ready for May 6 because the Boricua living in Fajardo is still healing his neck from a sustained injury. Nevertheless, will the Panamanian Batista score the biggest boxing upset of 2023 by dethroning "Rey" Martinez, throwing a wrench in Martinez-Arroyo 2? Or will "Rey" Martinez cruise over the Panama challenger for a successful 5th defense of his green 'n golden belt? May the Best Man Win! The author, veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Panama, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +639184538152. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.  |
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