02/26/2025
Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions
Alberto Puello may not yet be a household name in boxing’s stacked 140-pound division, but he IS an undefeated champion with a dangerous skill set. The Dominican fighter has faced adversity inside and outside (of his own doing) the ring, yet he remains unbeaten and determined to establish himself as the best junior welterweight in the world.
On March 1, Puello (23-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBC Junior Welterweight Championship against Sandor Martin (42-3, 15 KOs) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The fight, taking place on the undercard of the massive Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach showdown, is Puello’s chance to claim his status as an elite champion in the division.
Fighting in New York for the first time as a professional adds another layer of excitement for Puello. The Dominican community in the city is large and passionate about boxing, and Puello is eager to put on a show.
“Fighting at Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the first time is going to be special,” he said. “I hear the energy in New York is different, and I know the fans are going to bring their passion. I’m very proud to be representing the Dominican Republic in New York, and I hope the fans come out to see me do it in style.”
Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions
Puello’s road to this moment has been anything but smooth. He first captured the WBA Junior Welterweight Championship in August 2022 with a hard-fought split-decision victory over Batyr Akhmedov. His reign was put on hold after a positive test for clomiphene, a banned substance, led to his suspension and him being stripped of the title.
After serving his suspension and being cleared to return, Puello wasted no time reasserting himself in the division. In June of last year, he stepped into the ring against the dangerous Gary Antuanne Russell for the interim WBC title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In a grueling contest, Puello emerged victorious via split decision, proving to the world and maybe himself, that even without artificial help, he remained a top-tier fighter. Later that month, he was elevated to full WBC champion, reclaiming a title he never lost in the ring.
Now, Puello is ready to move past the setbacks and cement his legacy.
At 5’9” with a strong jab and well-rounded fundamentals, Puello has the skills to compete with anyone in the division. While he lacks the name recognition of stars like Jose Valenzuela, Isaac Cruz, or Teofimo Lopez, his undefeated record and ability to adapt in the ring make him a serious threat.
As he prepares to defend his title against Sandor Martin, Puello is determined to prove that he belongs at the top.
“I’m pushing myself to be the best,” Puello said. “Every day we’re in the gym sharpening my skills, working on my movement, and making sure I’m in top shape. Coach [Ismael] Salas has a great eye for detail, so we’re focused on the little things that will make a big difference in the ring.”
Martin, the crafty Spanish southpaw, presents a unique challenge. Best known for his upset victory over Mikey Garcia in 2021, Martin is a slick boxer with a high ring IQ. He is currently the WBC’s number-one contender for a reason, and Puello is well aware of the threat he poses.
“Sandor Martin is going to be a tough challenge,” Puello admitted. “He’s got a smart and complicated style, but we’ve been studying him closely. I’m preparing to take away his strengths and impose my own game plan.”
Photo Credit: Team Puello
This fight is about more than just keeping his title—it’s about staking his claim as the best in the division. With names like Valenzuela, Lopez, Subriel Matias, and Cruz circling the top of the weight class, Puello knows that a dominant performance against Martin could open the door to even bigger fights.
“The only thing I’m envisioning is a win and keeping my unbeaten record,” Puello stated. “This win not only strengthens my status as a world champion, but it creates the opportunity for even bigger matchups. I’m here to show that I’m the best champion in the 140-pound division.”
A victory would keep Puello’s name in the conversation for unification bouts or high-profile showdowns against the division’s biggest stars. He’s already looking ahead to potential fights against the winner of the upcoming Jose Valenzuela vs. Gary Antuanne Russell bout.
“I would love to fight the winner of Valenzuela vs. Russell,” Puello said. “I want to unify the division and then clean out the division.”
Photo Credit: Team Puello
He understands that an exciting performance in front of a raucous crowd could go a long way in raising his profile. In a division filled with big personalities and big punchers, Puello’s measured and technical style has kept him under the radar—but he hopes to change that on March 1.
“I have to win this fight, and I have to win it with a big statement,” Puello said. “I don’t think that I have the respect that I deserve yet. This statement will put the whole boxing world on notice.”
March 1 represents more than just a title defense—it’s a moment of redemption. After being sidelined due to controversy, he’s back in the spotlight, ready to prove that he is the rightful king of the 140-pound division.
“I’m not worried about anything other than preparing well for this fight,” he said. “I have faced a lot of different opponents, and I know what I have in my arsenal. What Sandor does or doesn’t do does not concern me one bit.”
Puello has worked too hard and overcome too much to let this opportunity slip away. He has fought his way back from obscurity, reclaimed championship gold, and now, he stands on the verge of defining his legacy.
A victory over Sandor Martin won’t just validate Puello’s claim as a world champion—it could be the moment that launches him into boxing superstardom. And with bigger fights on the horizon, he’s ready to show the world that he isn’t just a champion. He’s the new king of the junior welterweight division.
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