Julio Cesar Martinez vs McWilliams Arroyo Preview June 25th, 2022
WBC Flyweight Champion Julio Cesar Martinez of Mexico defends his title for the fourth time this Saturday, June 25th when he meets McWilliams Arroyo of Puerto Rico. This is a rematch of their November affair which had to be called off in the third round when Arroyo was unable to continue due to an accidental head butt. The fight was a barn burner until then as both boxers hit the canvas in the first round and Arroyo was down again in the second. The 12-rounder from San Antonio Texas can be seen live in most nations on DAZN. Martinez last fought in March when he dropped a unanimous decision to Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez when moving up in weight. The fight was for the vacant WBC Diamond Super Flyweight Title, but Martinez blew his shot at it by coming in over weight. This is Arroyo’s first fight since the no-decision against Martinez.
**Watch live on DAZN this Saturday. Your first month is free.
Martinez vs Arroyo Betting Odds
Here are the betting odds from online sportsbook BetOnline.ag (full review here).
- McWilliams Arroyo +500
- Julio Cesar Martinez -800
My Pick
The 27-year-old Martinez stopped former champion Cristofer Rosales in the ninth round in December, 2019 to win his belt and beat Jay Harris by unanimous decision in his first defence three months later. He then stropped Moises Calleros in two rounds in October, 2020 and Joel Cordova in six rounds last June. In August, 2019 Martinez stopped WBC Champ Charlie Edwards in three rounds but the fight was eventually ruled a no-contest as Martinez landed on Edwards while he had a knee on the canvas. Edwards had beaten Rosales by unanimous decision nine months earlier to win the title.
Martinez, who’s also known as Julio Cesar Martinez Aguilar, hails from Mexico City and carries a record of 18-2 with 14 Ko’s to his name. He stands 5-feet-2-inches tall and has a 64-inch reach. He has quite a bit of power in his fists with a current knockout ratio of 63.6. He turned pro in 2015 and has boxed 101 rounds since with first defeat being a four-round split decision to Joaquin Cruz in his pro debut. Martinez then avenged the defeat with an eight-round majority decision the next year. He’s also beaten the likes of former world champion Edgar Sosa as well as Martin Tecuapetla, Andrew Selby, Victor Ruiz and Juan Lopez Martinez.
The 36-year-old Arroyo climbs into the ring with a mark of 21-4 with 16 Kos and had won four fights in a row before meeting Martinez last time out. He dropped a 10-round unanimous decision to Kazuto Ioka in September, 2018 for the WBC Silver Super Flyweight Title and was beaten by WBC Flyweight champ Roman Gonzalez by unanimous decision in 2016 and also via split decision by Amnat Ruenroeng in October, 2014. His first pro loss was a four-round unanimous decision to Takashi Okada in June, 2010.
Arroyo had a fine amateur career and has boxed 143 rounds since making his pro debut in 2010. He stands 5-feet-4-inches tall with a 64-inch reach which gives him a two-inch edge in height on Martinez with the same reach. Arroyo likes to pressure his opponents and also has a good body attack. He has good power with a current knockout ratio of 61.5 per cent but has gone the distance in five of his last seven outings.
Arroyo’s a tough character with a big heart and good chin but he seems to fall just short of the mark when he steps up in class. However, he did win the vacant WBC Silver Super Flyweight Title with a 10-round majority decision over Carlos Cuadras in 2018. He’s also beaten the likes of Carlos Buitrago, Carlos Maldonado Victor Ruiz and Luis Maldonado.
Prediction…
I give the crowd-pleasing Martinez the edge in power and aggression while Arroyo has more pro and amateur experience. However, Arroyo is almost a decade older than the champ and his power hasn’t been very noticeable over the past few years. Their first fight was short and exciting until it was stopped and I don’t really see this one being much different as I’m expecting Martinez to eventually wear Arroyo down and retain his title.
Martinez should be too powerful and aggressive for Arroyo.
Play: Martinez -800 @ BetOnline.ag
Check out my recent boxing betting picks to see my current form.
Julio Cesar Martinez betting • McWilliams Arroyo betting