Lester Martínez arrived at Tikal as champion. The Guatemalan boxer visited the Tikal National Park in Flores, Petén, and did not miss the opportunity to be photographed with the interim world title belt that he won on March 21, in an image that quickly went viral on social networks.
“From Petén to the world, one of Mayan blood in his land… Tikal”the boxer wrote in his publication, revealing the pride he feels for his roots and for the land where he grew up.
The visit comes at a special moment for Martínez, who after winning the interim world title expressed in a press conference his desire to take these months to rest and celebrate with his family in peace before resuming his competitive schedule. The Petenero, always proud of his origin, chose Tikal as the perfect setting to show off his belt that titles him world champion, combining his cultural heritage with the most important sporting milestone of his career so far.
Petén has always been a fundamental part of Lester Martínez’s identity inside and outside the ring. The Guatemalan boxer has been known for proudly displaying his roots, something he reaffirmed with this gesture in one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
From Petén to the world
The image of Lester Martínez posing with his interim world belt in front of the temples of Tikal is a reflection of the path taken by a boxer born in Melchor de Mencos, a border municipality in the department of Petén.
On March 21, he won the WBC interim world title by defeating the American Immanuwel Aleem in San Bernardino, California, a result that positions him today as one of the best boxers in the region and the sporting pride of Petén and all of Guatemala.
At 30 years old and with the interim world belt in his possession, Lester Martínez is emerging as the most important figure in Guatemalan boxing today. The man from Peten will take these months to rest and celebrate with his family before resuming his competitive agenda, where he will look for a fight against Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, the absolute champion of his category.