Juan Martínez Ayala set for maiden defence of WBC Silver bantamweight belt in Jalisco on February 2

Juan “Elegante” Martinez seeks succesful defence of WBC Silver crown

WBC Silver bantamweight champion, Juan Martínez Ayala (13-1, 7KO), will make the first defence of his crown in Jesús Maria, Jalisco on February 2, 2024.

A police officer by day, Mexican champion, known as “Elegante”, is preparing for a maiden defence of WBC Silver strap just a few weeks into the New Year.

30-year-old Martinez Ayala won the belt against Luis Castro in June 2023 with a fourth round KO. He has also won an NABF super-flyweight title during his 14-fight career.

The Mexican is now ranked WBC #4 after his eight-fight win streak. The absolute champion of the 118lbs division is fellow countryman Alexandro Barrios.

There's three other champions at the weight - Takuma Inoue (WBA) / Emmanuel Rodriguez (IBF) / JasonMoloney (WBO).

His sole career defeat came early in his career, in fight No.6, when he stepped up to eight rounds for the first time. He bounced back strongly with three consecutive KOs, and has triumphed in three 10-rounders and a 12-round championship contest, meaning he is more than ready for a world title shot in 2024.

His next opponent on the fifth weekend of the year is yet to be confirmed.