Alberto Puello vs Sandor Martin fight preview

WBC Special Preview: Puello vs Martin

The Wasp vs The Leveller by James Blears

WBC super-lightweight champion Alberto ‘’The Wasp’’ Puello from the Dominican Republic, defends his Green and Gold Belt against Spaniard Sandor ‘’The Leveller’’ Martin on Saturday March 1st, at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, on the Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach undercard .

Both are southpaws, each a skilled and crafty counter-puncher, but who is going to step forward and take the initiative on the night?

Although Sandor, aged 31, is only a year older than Alberto, he has built a noticeably longer tally sheet of 42-3, 15KO. His pro debut was on October 8th 2011. While Alberto`s first pro fight in the pro ranks was 7th March 2015. He remains undefeated at 23-0, 10KO.

Alberto knows he has an exacting challenge on his hands saying: ‘’Sandor Martin is number one contender for a good reason. He's got a smart style, yet I'm ready and prepared for whatever he brings.’’

Puello is a tall, rangy and strong super lightweight. His big break came when he fought Batyr Akmedov for the vacant WBA title.

Batyr kept pressing forward, trying to take to fight to the taller man, who repeatedly caught him with solid sinking body shots before moving upstairs. This fight clearly showed that Puello can intelligently and effectively fight off the back foot and with his back against the ropes. He proved more accurate and effective to win a SD.

But then a careless mishap, which resulted in a failed VADA anti- doping test when Clomiphene was detected. Puello put his hand up and said he had taken the fertility drug to try to get his wife pregnant.

The first defence of his title against Rolly Romero was scrapped as the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended him for six months, but no fine. He was named champion in recess.

Puello's biggest test to date was in his most recently fight last year for the vacant WBC Interim title against formidable fellow southpaw Gary Antuanne Russell, who'd stopped all of his previous 17 rivals.

It was a thrilling give and take battle, so fitting for the 100th Fight Night at the MGM in Las Vegas. Effective defence, impressive body punching and the ability to withstand sustained pressure secured a SD for The Dominican Dynamo, who caught and cuffed the more aggressive Russell as he waded in.

Puello has been elevated to Absolute Champion, as Devin Haney is now th Champion in recess.

Thin-faced, broad shouldered Puello is five feet nine inches tall and has a reach of 71 inches, which he uses in a skilfully elongated way.

Spaniard Sandor stands five feet seven and a half inches tall, with a reach of 69 inches. He too is wily and evasive, being able to artfully dodge and mill on the retreat. He's a marksman in his own right, yet especially with his southpaw left.

He came to prominence winning the European title after Andrea Scarpa's team retired him in the ninth. His big statement came in defeating former four division champion Mikey Garcia via a MD. Mikey pressed hard throughout but got caught coming in.

Then Sandor took on big-hitting Teofimo Lopez for the WBO International title, losing via SD. Surging forward in round one, Teo got hit with a short and smart right counter, which put him down for a brief count.

Sandor's only two other defeats on points previous to this, were to Alexandre Lepelly and to Anthony Yigit, while contesting the European title.

Both Alberto and Sandor are durable, smart and can box adroitly off the front or back foot.

Puello is very fond of body punching and is the more aggressive of the two.

Martin can turn head hunter when opponents venture into range and is the better defensive boxer, garnered from his extra experience in the pro ring.

Puello hits harder but Marti is a more effective combination puncher.

Work rate, stamina, smarts and desire will be key factors if this goes the distance between two strategists who must inject venom to avoid this becoming a chess match in the ring.

Tale of the Tape

ALBERTO “La Avispa” PUELLO WBC Super Lightweight World Champion, 1st defence Age: 30 DOB: July 22, 1994 Residence: Las Vegas, Nevada Birthplace: San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic Record: 23-0, 10 KOs Total rounds: 164 World championship fights: 1-0, 0 KOs Height: 5’9.5” – 176cm Reach: 71” – 180cm Stance: Left-handed Manager: Belgica Pena Trainer: Bob Santos

SANDOR MARTIN WBC #1 Mandatory Challenger at Super Lightweight Age: 31 DOB: August 22, 1993 Residence, birthplace: Barcelona, Cataluña, Spain Record: 42-3, 15 KOs Total rounds: 293 Height: 5’7” – 170 cm Reach: 69” – 175cm Stance: Left-handed Managers: Christian Cherchi & Salvatore Cherchi Trainer: Rafa Martin

WBC Top 10 Super-lightweight Champions

1. Julio Cesar Chavez (Mex) 2. Oscar de la Hoya (US/Mex) 3. Kostya Tszyu (Rus/Aust) 4. Roger Mayweather (US) 5. Timothy Bradley (US) 6. Bruno Arcari (Italy) 7. Arturo Gatti (Canada) 8. Danny Garcia (US) 9. Devon Alexander (US) 10. Saensak Muangsurin (Thai)