Guatemala’s Lester Martinez entered the ring determined to snatch the interim WBC super middleweight title from Christian M’Billi. Having sharpened his skills in training camp with Terence Crawford, the 29-year-old looked prepared for everything the French-Cameroonian champion had to offer.  

What followed was a brutal, high-paced clash between two undefeated fighters, producing one of the most thrilling back-and-forth battles in recent memory. Throughout the 10 rounds, both fighters took turns taking the lead, landing heavy blows on each other. The intensity seemed to split the judges as well, who could not decide who won. 

Christian M’Billi and Lester Martinez will have to accept the reality

Patricia Morse Jarman scored it 97-93 for Martinez, Chris Migliore had it 96-94 for Mbilli, while Glenn Feldman saw it even at 95-95—resulting in a split-decision draw. Both men were forced to accept the first draw of their professional careers. This means Christian M’Billi will retain his interim WBC super middleweight title.

And he remains in line for a title shot against the winner of tonight’s Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight in the main event. Regardless, the bout’s drama and grit earned both fighters special recognition during the official announcement. Netflix posted the result, writing, “A DRAW. M’Billi VS. MARTINEZ WAS INSANE.” 

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And once the result hit the airwaves, fans quickly took to social media to voice their strong reactions.

What is next for the fighters?

With the fight declared a split draw, one user was confused about what’s next for the fighters. The user asked, “What next now since it’s a draw?” They can set up a rematch, but M’Billi will keep his title. 

Another user felt the fight should have had a clear winner. The user wrote, “Christian M’Billi should have won.” While M’Billi seemed dominant at certain points of the fight, Martinez also had several great moments in the fight. 

Someone else seemed to be plagued by indecision. The user commented, “After a war like M’Billi vs. Martinez ends in a draw, do we call for a rematch immediately, or was that the perfect ending to a classic?” There has to be a rematch, especially after how good the bout was. 

The next user knew exactly what should happen next. The user demanded, “Run it back!!” However, only time will tell whether that happens. 

Meanwhile, this user didn’t see anything wrong with the decision. The user felt, “A draw is the right call! Amazing fight!!!” Yet Martinez must want a rematch to prove himself. 

From the looks of things, Lester Martinez and Christian M’Billi have set the stage for an exciting rematch. However, only time will tell whether the Guatemalan native will face the Cameroonian again or not. What are your thoughts on the matter?