Aceves and Otero…trainers of Martinez and Arroyo

On February 27, another fiercely brilliant chapter of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, with WBC flyweight champion, Julio César Martínez defending his belt against the # 1 ranked fighter, McWilliams Arroyo.

For JC, this fight is an crucial  test. The rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico is already a tradition. While for trainer Mauricio Aceves, better known as “El Chale”, a man who, although failed to shine as a boxer, now has a chance to shine as champion mentor.

For Mauricio, it was difficult to accept that his indiscipline and rebellion took him away from the dream of becoming a world champion. However, over the years and with the maturity necessary to face the mistakes of the past, he has channeled his experience to direct and help youngsters. One of them is Julio César Martinez, who`s flourished and  blossomed into his first world champion.

For Mauricio, the true meaning of being a world champion is being willing to face the best in the division, even if it represents leaving home or combatting  adversity. That  is why, challenging the Puerto Rican fighter and winning victory is so important.

However, and even when Julio is coming very strong, McWilliams Arroyo feels confident that he will be the new world champion. Now  in a division in which he feels more comfortable, the Puerto Rican is  confident in the strategy and work he has gained from coach Anthony Otero, known as “El Gallero”, who for many years has been in his corner polishing his skills of McWilliams and those of his brother McJoe.

For Anthony Otero, who has been in boxing for more than 24 years, it is important to work with discipline and a lot of dedication because with certainty, he knows  that fights are won in the gym, just as he did in 2018, when Arroyo defeated the former super flyweight silver champion WBC, Carlos Cuadras, a victory that showed the kind of talent he has.