Boxing
Keys to Victory: How do Lester Martinez and Luka Plantic stack up?
Moses vs Hrgovic: Watch on DAZN PPV - TONIGHT
Lester Martinez made a big splash fighting Christian Mbilli to a thrilling draw as part of the Terence Crawford-Canelo Alvarez main card last September. The Guatemalan fighter followed that up by defeating Immanuwel Aleem via unanimous decision in March to claim the interim WBC super middleweight title.
In facing mandatory challenger Luka Plantic tonight at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California, Martinez will look for his first title defense to stay in the running to possibly meet the October 31 DAZN PPV winner between Canelo Alvarez and WBC titleholder Mbilli.
The undefeated Martinez (20-0-1, 16 KOs) has benefitted from sparring Crawford and is trained by a team which includes longtime coach Hector Arreola and Crawford’s trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre. Also unbeaten is Croatian Olympian Plantic (13-0, 10 KOs) who last defeated Shadiri Musa Bwogi via ninth-round TKO in November.
Will Martinez convincingly defend his interim title to peer ahead to Alvarez vs. Mbilli? Or will Plantic shock him with an upset? DAZN News examines the Keys to Victory for both fighters. Today’s busy boxing docket also touts Moses Itauma taking on Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF heavyweight title in London, and exclusively live on DAZN PPV and Ultimate Tier.
'This is the biggest fight of my life'Â
Hrgovic prepares to 'destroy' Moses in world title fight
BUY NOW: Watch Itauma vs. Hrgovic exclusively on DAZN PPV & Ultimate Tier
Lester Martinez’ Keys to Victory
Pressure behind the jab
One way for Martinez to close the gap with Luka Plantic tonight is for the interim titleholder to pepper the mandatory challenger with the jab. Martinez can throw the stick as a power jab in some sequences or as a mere distraction punch. Either way, it should empower him to own his ring real estate and quickly command cramped quarters.
Introduce Plantic to Uppercut City
It’s in Martinez’ wheelhouse to launch alternating, piercing uppercuts with both of his hands when in the pocket with opponents. He also flicks the jab and launches the uppercut with his same lead hand effectively. Any way Martinez slices it, Plantic should be invited to and force-fed the same buffet. After all, the uppercuts will only bolster Martinez’ chances for a resounding interim title defense.
Set Plantic up for the right hand
Plantic’s guard gradually tends to dip low to about his chest level. Martinez can capitalize upon this lapse by setting the Croatian fighter up for a thunderous right hand around the guard or lack thereof. It could be unloaded as a potshot or served on the back end of a stinging one-two combination. Either method, Martinez has enough power to end the fight with the shot if he catches Plantic flush.
Luka Plantic’s Keys to Victory
Keep guard high and tight
Luka Plantic won’t give himself a proper shot to stand up to Lester Martinez’ pressure if he doesn’t establish a high, tight guard. Martinez is far too active of a puncher for Plantic to provide any open lanes via lapses in his defense. So, it’s imperative that Plantic exhibits discipline with his guard at all times tonight.
Uncork the left hook
Plantic has a looping left hook that can do damage if aptly timed. Considering how Martinez welcomes inside action, the weapon from Plantic could be just the shot to catch the interim titleholder by surprise in the phone booth.
Don’t get erratic on the feet
Watch Plantic work and he tends to get plodding and even clumsy with his footwork in trying to press forward. The growing sweet science skills of Martinez will exploit this penchant with a devastating retort. Therefore, Plantic must make it a conscious point to ensure his advances are deliberately cautious.
Who has the edge in Martinez vs. Plantic?
Analysis: DAZN News’ Mark Lelinwalla
I’m big on Lester Martinez, actually scoring that Christian Mbilli fight for him as I thought he did enough to have his hand raised in victory. I just see one-way traffic in this fight in the form of a rugged Martinez bulldozing his way to a knockout victory and looking impressive doing it.
Moses vs. Hrgovic - exclusively on DAZN PPV
Watch Moses Itauma attempt to become the youngest world heavyweight champion since Mike Tyson against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday night, only on DAZN.
Buy as a one-off PPV or included along with Garcia vs. Benn (Sept 12, UK only) and Canelo vs. Mbilli (Oct 31) PPVs with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
