
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 presented by PBC, in association with Top Rank and OPI Since 82; and will be broadcast on Prime Video.
Puello (22-0, 10 KOs) captured the 140-pound crown last June, when he beat Gary Antuanne Russell by decision. Originally from San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, Puello now trains in Las Vegas guided by Ismael Salas.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment to defend my title and make my place in this sport,” Puello said. “Sandor Martin is a great fighter, but on March 1, I’m going to show the world why I’m the WBC super lightweight world champion. This is my moment, my stage, and I’m ready to put on a show that the fans will never forget. When we step into that ring, there will be fireworks. I’m going to show the best version of myself and do whatever it takes to come out on top. I’m doing this for the Dominican Republic, this fight is for them, and I’m going to make them proud.”
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 debated decision against Teofimo Lopez. Most recently, Martin has scored back-to-back knockout victories when he stopped Arblin Kaba in six rounds in July 2023 and Mohamed El Marcouchi in three rounds in December 2023.
“This world title opportunity has been a long time coming,” Martin said. “A new super lightweight king will be crowned on March 1. Alberto Puello has some experience, but he won’t be ready for what I’ll bring to the ring in Brooklyn. That beautiful WBC belt I will take home with me to Spain.”
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