Hutchinson and Martinez withdraw from upcoming fights

Light heavyweight Willy Hutchinson and super middleweight Lester Martinez were each forced out of noteworthy fights

Two of this coming weekend’s better fights went belly-up in quick succession today.

First, Queensberry announced that light heavyweight Willy Hutchinson, set to face Zach Parker on this Saturday’s Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin show, is out after injuring his shoulder. Queensberry is looking to find a substitute opponent for Parker, who’s won three straight since breaking his hand against John Ryder in 2022.

Soon after, Lucas Kettle revealed that super middleweight prospect Lester Martinez once again withdrew from a scheduled clash with fellow unbeaten Joeshon James due to an undisclosed illness, pushing it back to March 22nd. This marks the bout’s second demise, as Martinez pulled out at the eleventh hour when the two were set to meet in September.

It has to be gutting for Martinez, a top-tier amateur who scored a breakout decision over Carlos Gongora last June but hasn’t fought since. Hopefully the third time’s the charm.