Target ni knockout artist at one-time world title challenger “Mighty” Aston Palicte na patulugin ang walang talong si Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez sa kanilang 12-round WBO junior bantamweight world title eliminator para magkaroon ng pagkakataong magka-rematch sa kababayang si four-division world champion Donnie Nietes.

Itinataguyod ng Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions at Miguel Cotto Promotions, magaganap ang sagupaang Palicte kontra Martinez sa Enero 31, 2019 sa Viejas Casino & Resort sa Alpine, California, sa United States.

Tumabla si Palicte kay Nietes noong nakaraang Seyembre 9 sa Inglewood, California para sa bakanteng WBO super flyweight title at maraming boxing fans ang naniniwalang nanalo knockout artist mula sa Bago City, Negros Occidental.

“I felt like I won the fight,” sabi ni Palicte sa BoxingScene.com. “But a draw is better than a loss. I expected to win that fight. I got him good in the early round, his face was all swollen, but I respect the judges’ decision. I can’t do anything about that now, but we will have a rematch if I defeat Martinez.”

Goodbye PBA? John Amores, tinanggalan na ng professional license!

Idinagdag ni Palicte na gusto niya ang kaagad na rematch kay Nietes pero iniutos ng WBO na harapin nito si Kazuto Ioka ng Japan para sa korona. Nagwagi si Nietes via 12-round split decision upang maging WBO super flyweight titlist.

“I was disappointed to learn we were not going to have an immediate rematch like I had thought, but this fight will be good preparation for me to fight Nietes again for the world title. Of course, I need to win this fight and it’s very important, because a win will draw me closer to my dream of being world champion,” dagdag ni Palicte. “Martinez is a good fighter, but I’m confident I can win this fight. I’m still very hungry. I missed the first time but, this time, I’m not letting it go. A win and I will be challenging Nietes and this time around I will strip him of the world title belt.”

May kartada si Palicte 24-2-1 win-loss-draw na may 20 pagwaagi sa knockouts samantalang ang karibal niyang si Martirez ay may rekord na 20-0-2 win-loss-draw na may 13 panalo sa knockouts.