Garcia believes the Guatemalan contender has the style and personality to attract the same passionate support that followed Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez in Southern California
Robert Garcia believes Lester Martinez has the ingredients to become one of boxing’s most popular attractions. Ahead of Martinez’s August 29 interim WBC super middleweight title defense, Garcia compared the Guatemalan contender’s fan appeal to Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.
Martinez (20-0-116 KOs), is scheduled to defend his interim WBC super middleweight title against Luka Plantic later on August 29th in Southern California. A victory would strengthen his position for a future shot at the full WBC title.
Robert believes Lester, 30, has both the style and personality to build a loyal following beyond his native Guatemala.
“I think Lester is one of the things that he could fight. Lester is a good fighter. He has really good skills, great power, good strength,” said Robert Garcia to Fighthype. “He’s from Guatemala, already the first world champion from Guatemala, bringing him to Southern California.”
Garcia believes Martinez can attract the same support from Mexican fans that other Latino stars have enjoyed in Los Angeles.
“I think Lester has the potential of becoming like Chocolatito was at one time,” Robert continued. “The times that Chocolatito fought here in LA, Mexicans showed up to support Chocolatito. When Carlos ‘Famoso’ Hernandez was champion from El Salvador, Mexicans supported him because people love boxing. Lester has that style where people fall in love with his style. I think the Mexicans are going to follow Lester 100%. I’m excited to see Lester’s future. I think he’s got potential of competing against the best in his division.”
Lester’s bout with Plantic is a WBC-mandated defense of his interim title. Roebert said the fight is necessary to keep Martinez on course for the bigger opportunities that could await at 168 pounds.
Martinez turns 31 in October and has yet to win a full world title. By the time Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez reached that age, he had already won world titles in four weight classes and established himself as boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighter.
