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Martinez Wins WBC Interim Super Middleweight Title
Guatemalan boxer Lester Martinez defeats Immanuwel Aleem to become first champion from his country
Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:12pm
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Lester Martinez defeated Immanuwel Aleem by unanimous decision to win the WBC interim super middleweight title on Saturday night in San Bernardino, California. Martinez, who is ranked #4 by The Ring and #2 by the WBC at 168 pounds, became the first fighter from Guatemala to win a world title.
Why it matters
Martinez's victory is a historic achievement, as he is the first Guatemalan boxer to win a world title. This win puts him in position to potentially unify the super middleweight division and become a major star in the sport.
The details
Martinez (20-0-1, 16 KOs) methodically outpointed Aleem (22-4-3, 14 KOs) over 12 rounds, winning by scores of 120-108, 119-109, and 118-110. Martinez was the aggressor throughout, landing the cleaner and more effective punches. Aleem struggled to get his offense going against the composed Martinez.
- The fight took place on Saturday, March 22, 2026 at the Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, California.
The players
Lester Martinez
A 30-year-old Guatemalan boxer who is ranked #4 by The Ring and #2 by the WBC at super middleweight. He won the WBC interim super middleweight title with his victory over Aleem.
Immanuwel Aleem
A 32-year-old American boxer who was ranked #8 by the WBC at super middleweight. He was unable to get his offense going against the composed Martinez.
What they’re saying
“I'm ready. I'm ready to fight and do the best fights for you. We're ready to fight the best.”
— Lester Martinez
What’s next
Martinez will likely look to unify the super middleweight division and become the undisputed champion in the weight class.
The takeaway
Lester Martinez's historic victory as the first Guatemalan boxer to win a world title is a significant achievement that could propel him to stardom in the sport of boxing.
