Julio Cesar Martinez In For Roman Gonzalez Bout In March

Roman Gonzalez has a new opponent.

And that opponent is WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez who will have to move up three pounds – from 112-pounds to 115-pounds – to face Gonzalez on March 5.

Boxing Scene reported the discussions Monday morning and ESPN later confirmed the two have struck a deal to meet in the ring.

The new matchup temporarily boots Juan Francisco Estrada who was supposed to defend his WBA “super” 115-pound belt against Gonzalez, a former champion in four divisions. He reportedly withdrew from lingering effects of COVID-19, which he tested positive for.

Martinez (18-1, 14 KOs) is coming off a fight against McWilliams Arroyo, but that ended in a no contest. Prior to that, Martinez has been riding a four-fight winning streak, three of which have come by knockout.

His sole loss was in his pro debut against Joaquin Cruz in 2015.

Gonzalez (50-3, 41 KOs) was looking to redeem himself after losing to Estrada in March of 2021 in what many fans considered “Fight of the Year.”

Those fans were looking forward to a trilogy fight, which was originally scheduled for October 16, bu Gonzalez tested positive for COVID-19 and that plan was abandoned.

Martinez and Gonzalez will now feature in the main event on DAZN on March 5.