Léster Martínez Immortalized
In Guatemala’s Hall of Excellence!
(April 15th) Guatemalan boxing is experiencing a golden era, and its premier current exponent has been recognized with his nation’s highest honor.
WBC Interim World Super Middleweight Champion, Léster Martínez, was inducted into the prestigious Hall of Excellence, located at the Palacio de los Deportes in the capital’s Zone 5.
This recognition comes following his historic feat on March 21st, when he captured the WBC Green and Gold Belt by defeating American Immanuwel Aleem via unanimous decision in California.
The champion’s inclusion in this hallowed pride of place, positions him alongside Guatemalan Olympic legends Adriana Ruano, Jean Pierre Brol, and Erick Barrondo.
“Since I started in this sport, I did it with the conviction of one day becoming a champion. Today I can say that Guatemala has an interim champion, and I hope very soon to be the undisputed champion,” expressed an emotional Martínez during the ceremony.
With an undefeated professional record of 20 victories, sixteen by way of knockout and one draw, Martínez has blasted to a meteoric rise. From his gold medal at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games to his Interim coronation, the Guatemalan has demonstrated, grit, vim, resilience and dedication that characterize WBC champions.
In his recent title bout, Martínez delivered a boxing masterclass, prevailing with dominant scorecards of 119-109, 118-110, and 120-108, making it clear that he is ready for the biggest stages and the ultimate glittering prize. The WBC congratulates Léster Martínez, the National Boxing Federation of Guatemala, and all the “Chapín” people for this well-deserved tribute to an athlete who is writing the most brilliant pages of sport in his country.
Kevin Lerena vs Ryad Merhy:
Mandatory Clash Shaping The Bridgerweight Division!
(April 14th) On May 30, 2026, the Hall des Expositions in Belgium will host a key fight in the Bridgerweight division, as Kevin Lerena faces Ryad Merhy in a mandatory world championship bout.
In a division still seeking to establish itself on the global stage, this matchup represents far more than a mandatory defense—it is an opportunity to define hierarchy.
Kevin Lerena became Bridgerweight world champion in early 2025 when he scored a third-round knockout over Serhiy Radchenko.
With experience at the highest level, Lerena enters as a solid, durable fighter with strong tactical discipline.
On the other side, Merhy will look to capitalize on home advantage and his power to shift the momentum and establish himself as a central figure in the division.
The outcome will not only impact the fate of the title but also the evolution of a division that continues to grow in relevance within professional boxing.
Kevin Lerena holds a record of 31-4 with 15 knockouts.
Ryad Merhy enters with a record of 35-3 and 29 knockouts.
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