Lester Martinez is targeting a March 21 return on ProBox TV, with his team preparing a petition to place the interim WBC super middleweight title on the line. The sanctioning body has not yet ruled on the request.
BoxingScene first reported that Martinez’s promoter is preparing to formally seek WBC approval for the bout to carry interim status. Separately, sources told Brunch Boxing that Martinez is slated to appear on a March 21 ProBox TV event. Thet opponent has not yet been announced.
The Mbilli Draw Revisited
Martinez is coming off a 12-round draw with Christian Mbilli, a fight that generated debate over how it was officiated. Mbilli had consistent success at close range, landing compact combinations on the inside while Martinez repeatedly used his forearms and shoulders to create space. The referee deducted no points despite the frequency of the shoving, and many observers believed that the decision influenced the final scorecards.
Martinez did not lose officially, but the performance did not establish him as clearly ahead of the division’s leading contenders. Several middle rounds featured inside exchanges where Mbilli appeared to be doing the cleaner, more effective work. The draw kept Martinez unbeaten, yet it left open questions about how he matches up against the upper tier at 168 pounds.
Ranking Depth at 168 Pounds
If the WBC approves the petition, the opponent selection will be interesting. Remove names such as Osleys Iglesias, Hamzah Sheeraz, Diego Pacheco, and Jaime Munguia from the available pool, and the list of credible interim level options narrows quickly. Those fighters are either positioned for larger opportunities or unlikely to accept this assignment.
The further down the rankings the selection goes, the more scrutiny the interim label will attract.
The WBC has not yet ruled on the request, but the approval itself may prove as significant as the name across from Martinez on March 21.
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Last Updated on 02/11/2026
