WBC interim super middleweight champion Lester Martinez will make the first defense of his title against undefeated Croatian contender Luka Plantic in the Los Angeles area on August 29.
The fight was announced on Thursday by ProBox TV, with boxing reporter Francisco Salazar reporting that an official press conference will be held Monday in Carson to formally introduce the event.
Martinez (20-0-1, 16 KOs) captured the interim WBC title in March with a unanimous decision victory over Immanuwel Aleem, becoming the first fighter from Guatemala to win a world championship recognized by one of boxing’s four major sanctioning bodies.
Plantic (13-0, 10 KOs) enters the fight undefeated after building his professional record in Europe. The 29-year-old Croatian enjoyed a successful amateur career before turning professional and now gets his biggest opportunity against the undefeated Martinez.
The winner will strengthen his position in the WBC super middleweight rankings, as the division is still led by undisputed champion Christian Mbilli, who is expected to defend his titles against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on September 12 in Riyadh.
Additional details regarding the Aug. 29 card, including the venue and broadcast information, are expected to be revealed during Monday’s press conference in Carson.
Martinez has already defeated experienced contenders Carlos Gongora, Joeshon James and Immanuwel Aleem during his rise through the super middleweight ranks, while Plantic will face the highest-rated opponent of his professional career in his first fight outside of Europe. #3 WBC Plantic now gets a big jump in class against Martinez.
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Last updated on 2026/06/25 at 15:02
