Lester Martinez will step into the ring on September 13 as the little-known, untested challenger to Christian Mbilli. For the ambitious Guatemalan super middleweight, it’s a long-awaited chance to prove what Terence Crawford and his team have believed for years, that Martinez is one of boxing’s best-kept secrets. They see him as an elite-level 168-pound contender who only needs the stage and competition to showcase his talent. That spotlight arrives on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez vs. Crawford, where Martinez can finally stake his claim among the division’s top names.

Across the ring, Montreal’s Mbilli carries a reputation that makes many contenders steer clear. Originally from Cameroon, he’s a relentless volume puncher who overwhelms opponents with nonstop pressure. Lester Martinez, h

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