Lester Martinez Eyes Canelo Or Mbilli With Interim Title

During a recent interview ahead of the fight, Martinez made it clear that he is already thinking about the opponents who could await him if he keeps winning.

“Canelo could win, Mbilli could win,” Martinez said La Hora del Boxeo. “Fighting either of those two would benefit me a lot. We’ll be ready to win.”

Those names reflect the reality of the super middleweight division. Canelo Alvarez remains the central figure at 168 pounds, and the biggest fights in the weight class often depend on the Mexican star’s next move. Christian Mbilli has also emerged as one of the most dangerous contenders in the division, with pressure and activity that have made him a difficult opponent for anyone in the weight class.

Martinez already shares unfinished business with Mbilli. The two fought to a 12-round draw in September 2025 in a bout that raised Martinez’s profile after many observers felt he had done enough to win. The competitive fight helped introduce the Guatemalan contender to a wider audience and placed him firmly among the top challengers at super middleweight.

Before any of those possibilities can materialize, Martinez must first deal with Aleem, a veteran who has spent years facing prospects and contenders throughout the division. The experienced American has shared the ring with several notable opponents and brings durability and ring knowledge that could test Martinez over the course of the fight.

Still, Martinez views the interim title bout as the opportunity to move one step closer to the fights he ultimately wants. With the division’s biggest prizes tied to a small group of elite names, the unbeaten contender believes continuing to win is the only way to force his way into those conversations.

A victory would not guarantee those fights, but it would keep Martinez moving toward the biggest opportunities in the super middleweight division.