After a show-stopping performance back in July, East Los Angeles’ Aron Martinez (18-1-1, 4 KOs) moves into yet another elite class when he faces undefeated Las Vegas welterweight prospect Jessie Vargas (19-0, 9 KOs). The pair will square off next Thursday, September 13 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas just two days before WBC Silver Welterweight Champion Josesito Lopez (30-4-1,18KOs) steps into the ring to take on Mexico’s Super Welterweight World Champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Vargas defeated Lopez in a very close fight on a recent PPV undercard.
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Can Martinez upset yet another contender?
Last month Martinez used his pressure style to neutralize the long reach and skillful boxing approach of Prenice Brewer. After eight rounds Martinez prevailed in another ESPN nationally televised fight that took place in Laughlin, Nevada. Last year Martinez also handed Joseph Elegele his first pro loss after 12 wins. It seems that Martinez’s thrives on toppling favored fighters and undefeated up-and-comers.
Vargas, 23, will be the hometown favorite; on his last outing he prevailed against Josesito Lopez in a 10 round bout. It was considered a controversial win, as many of the boxing scribes in attendance gave a razor sharp advantage to Josesito. Vargas walked away with the victory by split decision.
Martinez, 30, loves to crowd his opponents and this should encourage Vargas to stand and fight. It’s rare that the Las Vegas prizefighter backs down to anyone. The relentless Martinez also never steps backward and never tires. That’s the East L.A. native primary weapon: incredible stamina.
“I’m excited to face Jessie Vargas and to show him who I am. I have the skills and power to change the momentum of his career. I believe that I will be the fighter that will tarnish his perfect record,” said Martinez from his training camp high up in the Big Bear Mountains. “My training has been hard and I need to have an impeccable fight to take it away from Vargas and we are planning to do so.”