The recent split between unbeaten lightweight contender Ryan Garcia and renowned cornerman Eddy Reynoso served as a reminder that even serving as a top trainer doesn’t make you the best fit for every fighter.

For now, Julio Cesar 'El Rey' Martinez can’t quite relate to that scenario.

The reigning WBC flyweight titlist has flourished in the presence of Reynoso and his all-star stable, including pound-for-pound king Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (57-1-2, 39KOs). Being constantly surrounded by greatness has left the Mexico City native feeling as ready as ever for his upcoming fight, which sees him move up to junior bantamweight for a showdown with legendary former four-division champion Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (50-3, 41KOs) this Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

“Everything has been going well,” Martinez told krikya360.com of his recently completed training camp. “Everyone here in camp is disciplined—Canelo, of course, and (two-division and current WBC junior lightweight champion) Oscar Valdez who also has a big fight coming up.

“There is a reason these guys are with Eddy; he doesn’t let just anyone in the gym.”

Martinez (18-1, 14KOs)—co-promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Canelo Promotions—officially trains under Mauricio Aceves but took advantage of his surroundings for this assignment, with the venue located near Reynoso’s training facility in the San Diego area. Martinez agreed to a late-notice fight with Nicaragua’s Gonzalez after lineal/WBA junior bantamweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada (42-3, 28KOs) fell out due to an untimely bout with Covid.

The fight meant moving up in weight, which could work to the advantage of Martinez who was eventually planning to campaign at junior bantamweight. Those three extra pounds didn’t mean he got to slack off during training camp, however. Already a noted power puncher, Martinez believes the work put in will leave him even stronger against one of the best little big men in boxing history.

“I’ve always wanted the biggest challenges,” noted Martinez. “I’m coming with everything—the will to win and the motivation to make sure I don’t let down my team or my family.”

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for krikya360.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox