
On March 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Alberto Puello will defend his super lightweight title against the mandatory challenger of the division, the Spaniard Sandor Martin.
This fight will be part of a card headed by the Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Lamont Roach fight, and is presented by PBC, in association with Top Rank and OPI Since 82; and will be broadcast on Prime Video.
Puello (22-0, 10 KOs) conquered the 140-pound crown last June, when he defeated Gary Antuanne Russell by decision.
Originally from San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, Puello now trains in Las Vegas, guided by Ismael Salas.
Martin (42-3, 15 KOs), from Barcelona, Spain, had long established himself as one of Spain’s top current fighters before making his U.S. debut in 2021, when he pulled off the 2021 Upset of the Year against four-division world champion Mikey Garcia.
The 31-year-old has never been stopped in his career and nearly pulled off another upset in 2022 when he narrowly lost a hotly contested decision against Teofimo Lopez. Most recently, Martin has scored back-to-back knockout wins when he stopped Arblin Kaba in six rounds in July 2023 and Mohamed El Marcouchi in three rounds in December 2023.
Both fighters commented on some aspects of the bout they will be holding:
ALBERTO PUELLO:
“This is a great opportunity for me to defend the world title that I worked so hard for. Winning that title meant a lot to me because it showed everyone that I am a true champion at 140 pounds.”
“I am not worried about anything other than preparing well for this fight. I have faced many different opponents and I know what I have in my arsenal. What Sandor does or does not do does not worry me in the least.
“I have to win this fight and I have to do it with a big statement. I don’t think I have the respect I deserve yet. This statement will put the entire boxing world on notice.
“I am focused on getting a good camp in the gym. Sometimes I will have to be aggressive, sometimes it will be more tactical. In the end, that training camp in the gym is what will prepare me to defend the title.
“I would love to fight the winner of Valenzuela vs. Russell. I want to unify the division and then get going in it.”
SANDOR MARTIN:
“I am better than Puello and I am going to prove it on March 1. It is a pleasure to have this great opportunity to fight in Brooklyn. I am here to show my skills and prove that I am top class.
“My best skills are in my mind. I can fight with any style. Puello is a great fighter who wants to remain undefeated and that motivates me more. I will be at my best on March 1.
“I have to get the victory and return home as a champion. I have the skills to win this fight and defeat Alberto Puello. If I need to fight like a Mexican warrior, I will leave my heart in the ring. I am ready to do whatever it takes to become world champion and give the fans a great show.
“This is not a normal fight. This is the opportunity he has been waiting for since I was a child. I have earned it. The only thing I have in mind is to return home as world champion.”
“I don’t like to talk too much before the fight, because we will settle it in the ring. I have no other option than to come out victorious. I am not worried about anything else.”
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