02/26/2025
Photo Credit: Top Rank Boxing
“Do I still got it?” Those were the words of a bewildered Teofimo Lopez in December 2022, moments after going ten grueling rounds with Spain’s Sandor Martin. While Lopez walked away with his hand raised, it was a result many disputed. Martin, a slick southpaw known for his intelligent movement and sharp counterpunching, appeared to outbox and outthink the former unified lightweight champion. Yet, in Lopez’s hometown of New York City, two of the three judges saw things differently, awarding Lopez a split-decision victory.
In his biggest fight to date, on the grand stage of Madison Square Garden, he delivered the kind of performance that should have announced his place among the junior welterweight elite. Instead, it became another cautionary tale in boxing—a fighter on the wrong end of a questionable decision in enemy territory.
Photo Credit: Top Rank Boxing
The Spanish technician had upset former four-division champion Mikey Garcia in 2021, but even that defining victory hadn’t guaranteed him big fights. After Lopez, he was left in limbo once again, forced to stay busy with a pair of eight-rounders in Italy while awaiting his next big opportunity.
Now, that opportunity has finally arrived. On March 1, Sandor Martin (42-3, 15 KOs) will step into the ring with Alberto Puello (23-0, 10 KOs) for the WBC Junior Welterweight Championship. The fight will take place on the undercard of the Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach pay-per-view at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
It’s not the Devin Haney fight he was initially mandated for, but it’s still a world title shot—his first, and potentially his only. In boxing, opportunities like these don’t come often for fighters who lack name value and major backing. Martin understands this all too well and plans to seize the moment with both hands.
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
“This isn’t just a normal fight,” Martin stated ahead of his title bout. “This is the opportunity I’ve waited for since I was a kid. I’ve earned it. The only thing on my mind is returning home as a world champion.”
At 31 years old, Martin is in his prime. A win on March 1 would erase the sting of the Lopez fight and cement his status as a legitimate world champion. But standing in his way is an unbeaten fighter with his own ambitions.
“Puello is a great fighter who wants to stay undefeated, and that makes me more motivated. I’m going to be at my very best on March 1,” Martin said.
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
A win for Martin means vindication. It means proving that he belongs at the highest level, that he was denied a fair result against Lopez, and that he is more than just an underrated technician—he’s a world champion.
Martin is well aware of what’s on the line and has made it clear that he will leave everything in the ring.
“I have to get the victory and return home as a champion,” he declared. “If I need to fight like a Mexican warrior, I’ll leave my heart in the ring. I’m ready to do whatever it takes.”
On March 1, Sandor Martin returns to New York City—the site of his greatest frustration. But this time, he’s not coming as the underdog fighting for respect. He’s coming to claim what he believes is rightfully his.
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