Ronal Batista Ready to Challenge “Rey” Martínez in Canelo’s May 6 Guadalajara Show
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 19 Apr 2023
Panamanian 115-pounder Ronal Batista (15-2, 9 KO's, in the photos), currently WBC #38, WBA #8 in the super flyweights, will trim down to the flyweight division to challenge popular, hard-swinging Mexican WBC flyweight world champion Julio Cesar "Rey" Martinez (19-2, 14 KO's).
The 12-round clash is one of the title fights supporting Canelo's mega show on May 6 at the the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Martinez, 28, comes into his 5th title defense from a December majority decision win over tough Spaniard Samuel Cardona.
Meanwhile, Panama's challenger Batista, 26, arrives into his first world-title battle from a difficult December win over Nicaragua journeyman Jose Cordero (12-17-5, 0 KO's).
In that battle, the unheralded Cordero, a man who has never won any of his 34 fights by knockout, managed to knock down Batista... The brave Batista, however, got up from the floor to claim the W over the Niaraguan in chapter four.
The above prompts fans to think: "If a really patsy boxer like Cordero managed to put Batista down on the canvas on his behind, what would a power-puncher like "Rey" Martinez do?"
In fact, the team of champion "Rey" Martinez 100% preferred a far more attractive rematch defense against Puerto RIcan mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo.
Unfortunately, the former champ Arroyo (21-4, 16 KO's) was unable to be ready for May 6 because the Boricua living in Fajardo is still healing his neck from a sustained injury.
Nevertheless, will the Panamanian Batista score the biggest boxing upset of 2023 by dethroning "Rey" Martinez, throwing a wrench in Martinez-Arroyo 2?
Or will "Rey" Martinez cruise over the Panama challenger for a successful 5th defense of his green 'n golden belt? May the Best Man Win!
The author, veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Panama, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Alicaba to fight for WBC Asian Continental super fly
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 18 Oct 2025DAY TWO: STARBOY MANAS STEALS THE SHOW AS TEAM ASIA EXTENDS PERFECT RUN
Sat, 18 Oct 2025MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS INTRODUCES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND VICE PRESIDENT TONY COHEN
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Joseph Subia Signs with Wise Owl Boxing
Sat, 18 Oct 2025Sirimongkhol, Midgley Make Weight for WBF World Title in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 17 Oct 2025ICTSI South Pacific on Oct. 28-31
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 Oct 2025PIONEERING FILIPINO BOXERS TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT ON FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH (PART II)
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 17 Oct 2025California Commission Backs Dana White’s ‘American Boxing Revival’ and Expanded Muhammad Ali Act
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 17 Oct 2025MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS PRESENTS “COUNTDOWN TO THRILLA IN MANILA” AND “THRILLA IN MANILA 50”
Fri, 17 Oct 2025Rafael Espinoza-Arnold Khegai Featherweight World Title Showdown Set for Nov. 15 in San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Fri, 17 Oct 2025Irish welterweight contender Paddy Donovan Positioned for another World title shot
Fri, 17 Oct 2025DAY ONE: TEAM ASIA LAUNCHES TITLE DEFENCE WITH DOMINANT WHITEWASH AS AJ ‘STARBOY’ MANAS SHINES
Fri, 17 Oct 2025CONNOR MITCHELL SIGNS FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AND DREAMS OF SURPASSING HIS LEGENDARY FATHER
Fri, 17 Oct 2025CONWAY-LIDDARD YORK HALL WEIGH-IN RESULTS
Thu, 16 Oct 2025PR Run - Break Your Record on Oct. 19
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 16 Oct 2025