Title Fight Removed From Canelo Alvarez vs. Callum Smith Card

One title bout that was planned for the Canelo Alvarez vs. Callum Smith card is now off.

WBC Flyweight Champion Julio Cesar Martinez was scheduled to defend his title against Francisco Rodriguez on December 19. That is no longer the case. Matchroom Boxing announced that both Martinez and Rodriguez have fallen ill, though neither case is COVID-related.

ℹ Julio Cesar Martinez and @realdpacheco have been removed from December 19's #CaneloSmith show due to non-COVID related illness in both cases.

We will announce a replacement for #MartinezRodriguez shortly | @DAZNBoxing

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) December 9, 2020

“Julio Cesar Martinez and Francisco Rodriguez have been removed from December 19’s #CaneloSmith show due to non-COVID related illness in both cases. We will announce a replacement for Martinez vs. Rodriguez shortly.”

Martinez was hoping to earn his third successful WBC Flyweight Title defense. As for Rodriguez, this would’ve been his chance to capture a major championship at flyweight. Rodriguez is a former IBF and WBO Minimumweight Champion.

Martinez has amassed a pro boxing record of 17-1, 1 NC. He’s scored 13 knockout victories along the way. The lone defeat in Martinez’s career was a split decision loss in his pro debut.

Rodriguez is a seasoned veteran who started his career five years prior to Martinez. His record sits at 33-4-1. He has 24 knockout wins to his credit. Rodriguez is riding a 14-fight winning streak. He hasn’t suffered a loss since December 5, 2015.

Stick with FIGHT SPORTS for the latest updates on when this bout will be rescheduled.