Lester Martinez: Who Are Potential Opponents for the WBC Interim 168 lb Champion?

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What is next for Lester Martinez?

On Saturday night, Martinez (21-0-1, 17 KOs) stopped Luka Plantic in the 10th round at Los Angeles’ USC Galen Center. A year ago, Martinez was involved in what, in my eyes, was the best fight of the year when he faced Christian Mbilli. The latter took that fight and landed a bout with Canelo Alvarez on October 31; Martinez, it seems, has been avoided. A sturdy puncher with the strong team of Brian “BoMac” McIntyre behind him, Martinez, now 30, is at the point where he should be getting fights of consequence.

Let’s look at some of the compelling fights he could be in the future.

Diego Pacheco

Both fighters have L.A. ties. Martinez has headlined many cards in L.A. and the surrounding area, whereas Pacheco is from the region. It is a great bout pitting two fighters on the cusp of being at the top of the division against each other.

Osleys Iglesias

A dream bout between two of the toughest dudes in the division. Iglesias has yet to struggle facing the avoided guys who are just underneath the champions. You rarely see someone waltz to an IBF title, but Iglesias did. This is a dream super-fight that I just have to put out there.

Jaime Munguia

Munguia has disappeared since winning his title in May. Munguia has a complementary style to Martinez, and the two could provide a lot of action and showcase the durability of both, as you would see two of the biggest punchers in the division against each other.

Jacob Bank

Bank is in the same spot as Martinez; really good, but not getting a lot of opportunities. A bout between the two would serve as a path to the top of the division, but seems unlikely, as the risk would probably not match the reward.

Demetrius Andrade

The former U.S. Olympian recently returned. Andrade is one of the best I have seen in the gym, and even at a later age, I think he is someone people will not face unless they have to. That said, he is worth a mention.