Flyweight world titleholder Charlie Edwards will make his mandatory defense against Julio Cesar Martinez on Aug. 31 at the O2 Arena in London, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn announced Thursday.
The bout, Edwards’ second title defense, will be part of the card headlined by pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko defending his unified lightweight world title — and an attempt to claim a vacant belt as well — against England’s Luke Campbell.
Martinez (14-1, 11 KOs), 24, of Mexico, earned the title shot by knocking out then-undefeated Andrew Selby, of Wales, in the fifth round on March 23 in Mexico.
“He’s a very tough Mexican who can bang with both hands,” Edwards said of Martinez. “His record shows that he’s a massive puncher and we saw that in his last fight against Andrew Selby. He got him out of there in the fifth round and was hurting him on a number of occasions. He’s coming to bring it and he’s going to try and rip that WBC title off me. This is his World Cup final.
“He’s going to put it all on the line. He’s going to be coming hard and fast from early to try and put me under pressure, but I believe my boxing skills and the experience that I’ve gained throughout my short pro career will see me through. I expect to have a punch-perfect performance. I believe that he will bring out the very best in me.
“Timing is everything. I believe this is my era. I have arrived at my destination at the right time and I’m loving the journey. To fight your mandatory challenger on one of the biggest cards in British boxing this year is brilliant because it showcases my skills around the world.”
Edwards (15-1, 6 KOs), 26, of England, took a 112-pound world title by unanimous decision from Nicaragua’s Cristofer Rosales in London in December and made his first defense, also in London, by unanimous decision against Spain’s Angel Moreno on March 23.
“I can’t wait to challenge for the WBC flyweight world title in London,” Martinez said. “I’ll be taking that famous green-and-gold belt back to Mexico with me. I have already knocked out one Brit and on Aug. 31 I will make it two.”
The card also will include a heavyweight fight between contender Hughie Fury and former secondary titlist Alexander Povetkin, a bout that Hearn announced Wednesday.