Lester Martinez has his sights set on Canelo

All roads in boxing eventually circle back to Canelo Álvarez. On Saturday night, Guatemala’s Lester Martínez made history by becoming the interim WBC champion — a monumental moment for his country. But the 28‑year‑old isn’t satisfied. He wants the real crown, the undisputed glory.

And standing in that path could be Canelo himself.

Even though Christian M’bili was officially named WBC champion earlier this year, WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán has made it clear that the door remains wide open for Álvarez to reclaim the belt — the same belt Martínez now dreams of unifying.

“He (Canelo) had surgery, which is why we didn’t touch his status. He’s still No. 1 and will be ready whenever he notifies us he’s prepared to return. He has the doors open and can get a direct title shot if he asks for it,” Sulaimán said in December.

Martínez: “I’m more than ready to fight anyone — including him”

Asked whether he feels prepared for that level of challenge, Martínez didn’t hesitate. Fresh off his win over American contender Immanuwel Aleem — and grounded enough to avoid overconfidence — the Guatemalan made his intentions clear.

“Of course. Every boxer in this sport is ready for these moments, and I feel more than ready to fight anyone — including him,” Martínez said at the post‑fight press conference. “Not just to make the fight happen, but to prepare to win. And we’re going to win. We know what we can achieve as a team.”

M’bili or Canelo: two roads to the same dream

Right now, Canelo doesn’t hold the WBC belt. To get it back, he would likely need to face Christian M’bili — the French champion who received the title vacated by Terence Crawford after British contender Hamzah Sheeraz declined the opportunity and was removed from the rankings.

“I earned my world title through work, discipline, and merit,” Mbili said in a statement after receiving the belt. “I promise to raise my standards even higher — in training and in every part of my life — to defend it and remind everyone why I’m at the top.”

Martínez has already proven he belongs in that conversation. On September 13, 2025, he fought M’bili to a split draw — a result that left unfinished business between them. A rematch is very much on the table.

But Canelo Álvarez also has his own reasons to chase that belt again, especially after losing it to Crawford on that same September night. Once fully recovered, the Mexican superstar may decide to reclaim what was once his.

And if he does, he’ll likely get priority.

For Martínez, that means staying ready — because whether it’s M’bili or Canelo, the biggest fight of his life is coming.

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