Lester Martinez def. Luka Plantić — TKO 10
WBC Interim Super-Middleweight Championship
USC Galen Center — Los Angeles, California
August 29, 2026

Rounds 1–4 | Plantić Starts Strong

The previously unbeaten Luka Plantić came to fight. His hand speed and willingness to exchange gave Martinez trouble early. Plantić landed clean combinations and bloodied Martinez during the third and fourth rounds.

Martinez remained composed, but Plantić showed immediately that this wasn't going to be an easy title defense.

Rounds 5–8 | Martinez Takes Over

Martinez began finding his rhythm and dictating the exchanges. His pressure and consistent output gradually changed the complexion of the fight.

Plantić became less effective offensively and increasingly looked to hold and defend as Martinez continued coming forward. The speed and activity that had given Martinez problems early weren't having the same impact.

By Round 8, the momentum clearly belonged to Martinez.

Rounds 9–10 | Martinez Closes the Show

Martinez continued applying pressure in the championship rounds, and in the 10th, he finally broke through.

A hard left to the body dropped Plantić. The Croatian challenger managed to beat the count, but Martinez immediately attacked again. A powerful follow-up combination forced referee Ray Corona to step in and stop the fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT

Lester Martinez — TKO 10 Luka Plantić

Martinez improves to 21-0-1 (17 KOs) and successfully defends his WBC interim super-middleweight championship.

Plantić suffers the first defeat of his professional career, falling to 13-1 (10 KOs).

S³ Take

This was a statement victory for Martinez because he had to make adjustments.

Plantić's early speed and combinations were effective enough to bloody Martinez, but Martinez didn't panic. He stayed composed, increased his pressure and gradually took control before producing the late stoppage.

Now the obvious target is the Canelo Alvarez–Christian Mbilli winner. A Mbilli victory would create a natural rematch after Martinez and Mbilli previously fought to a draw. A Canelo victory would give Martinez the opportunity to pursue the biggest fight available at 168.

Martinez isn't chasing prospect status anymore. At 21-0-1 with the interim WBC championship, he's chasing the top of the division.

S³ Boxing | Sweet Science Sports