THE FACTS
Where is Julio Cesar Martinez vs McWilliams Arroyo taking place? Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, U.S.
When is Julio Cesar Martinez vs McWilliams Arroyo on and what time does it start? Sunday 28th February, 2021 – 01:00 (UK)’
Where can I get tickets for Julio Cesar Martinez vs McWilliams Arroyo? Visit this link for the latest ticket information
What channel is Julio Cesar Martinez vs McWilliams Arroyo on? This fight will not be televised in the UK
Where can I stream Julio Cesar Martinez vs McWilliams Arroyo? DAZN are providing the stream for the fight
THE LOWDOWN
WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez (17-1, 13 KOs) is making the third defence of the title which he claimed courtesy of a stoppage win over Cristofer Rosales in December 2019. The Mexican fighter managed to stay active in 2020 as he fought twice during the year despite having three fights cancelled. He was set to meet McWilliams Arroyo last August before Arroyo withdrew due to illness, then Maximino Flores tested positive for COVID-19 in October, leaving Martinez to face Moises Calleros, and then another illness put paid to a scheduled fight with Francisco Rodriguez Jr. in December.
McWilliams Arroyo (20-4) is returning to action for the first time since December 2019 when he stopped Juan Gabriel Medina in five rounds. Arroyo has claimed three wins in a row since he lost against Kazuto Ioka in September 2018. The Puerto Rican boxer has come up short on both occasions that he previously challenged for a world title – he lost to Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and then Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in April 2016.
THE PREDICTION
Ten of Julio Cesar Martinez’s last 11 wins have come inside of the distance and the Mexican WBC flyweight champion will look to add another stoppage victory to his record against McWilliams Arroyo. The Puerto Rican challenger is a tough competitor who has never been stopped before but he may well struggle to last the distance against a younger opponent who also has speed and strength on his side. Expect Arroyo to be very competitive early on but Martinez is likely to take control midway through the fight and he is tipped to claim a win via KO/TKO in rounds 7-12.
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