By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
“Panterita” is ready to roar on the big stage.
Del Rio’s Jesus “Panterita” Martinez is set to make his professional debut June 10 when he fights Daniel Nuñez Gomez (1-1) as part of DAZN’s Matchroom fight series.
The fight is scheduled to take place at the Domo Alcalde in Guadalajara. Fans can watch the event via dazn.com.
Martinez, 17, is currently in California training for the bout. Martinez was contacted for an interview prior to the bout, but politely declined, saying, “We are in camp right now and I’d rather do the interview after my fight. I think it would work out better. I will have a much better interview.”
“Please tell everyone to be tuned June 10 on DAZN,” Martinez added.
Martinez’s amateur career was filled with highlights. A 17-time national champion, Martinez amassed a career record of 137 wins against just nine losses. In his final amateur fight, Martinez lost to Cornellio Phipps in the finals of the USA Boxing National Championships Youth Male 125-pound weight division in December.
His time at the tournament showcased his wide array of talents. He won his first fight via unanimous decision, dominating the fight with his skill. In his second fight, a crushing right hook crumpled Wilkins Candelario less than a minute into the first round and earned Martinez a knockout victory.
Martinez won his final amateur national championship in July 2021 when he won the Junior Male 125-pound weight class championship at the 2021 USA Boxing National Junior Olympics after winning four fights in four days.
In an interview with matchroomboxing.com, Martinez spoke about his anticipation for the June 10 fight.
“First and foremost, I’m really excited and pumped up to be on a Matchroom and DAZN show,” said Martinez. “I’m excited to be able to show the world all my skills and what I am about. I can’t wait for June 10 to show real fireworks.”
Martinez will fight under the International Sports Group banner, founded by former world champion Joe Calzaghe and former middleweight champion Darren Barker. Martinez was their first signing, and Barker told matchroomboxing.com how much he believes in Martinez and his future in the sport.
“I’m excited to unleash Jesus on the pro ranks,” Barker was quoted as saying. “He’s a lovely lad and he can really fight, it’s in his blood. He’s got unbelievable amateur pedigree, I asked him why not wait to try to make the Olympics as you are number one in the country, but he said he didn’t want to be an Olympian, because his aspirations aren’t just to be a World champion, but a multi-weight champion. He’s a tremendous talent and a future star, there’s no doubt about it.”
There will at least be five more fights on the card including a three title bouts – Hiroto Kyoguchi versus Esteban Bermudez for the WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Light Flyweight titles, Mayerlin Rivas versus Isis Vargas Perez for the WBA World Super-Bantamweight title, and Jorge Castañeda versus Eduardo Hernandez for the WBC International Super-Featherweight title.
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