He had a solid career but just couldn't beat the best. I hope he enjoys his retirement without the nagging doubts his last bout may have produced.
I'd agree that Rey should probably have been taking better care in the build-up to his scheduled dates with Arroyo (one of the three postponements was due to injury, as I recall), but I only saw one of those guys looking like he'd seen a ghost when he rose from the canvas in the few minutes and couple knockdowns they shared. And now that guy has retired rather than finally rematch the other in December. And I like McWilliams. Tabbed him to upset Cuadras a few years back.
Wonder if this means they'll reschedule that fight with Chauke (or with someone else) or if Martinez will just ride out the year without a defense.
Good news. Arroyo's a good fighter. Even if he wasn't to go through with this bout, he deserves respect for some solid service to the sport.
Looks like he'll be retiring without the rematch after all. Guess it being rescheduled for the eighth or ninth time was just the last straw. https://wbcboxing.com/en/wbc-flyweight-status-october-2023/ "The WBC confirms Julio Cesar Martinez as sole flyweight champion as McWilliams Arroyo has declined to fight WBC champion Julio Cesar Martinez consequently vacating his interim championship. Martinez and Arroyo were set to meet countless times before their Technical Draw which resulted from an accidental headbutt and after as well. The fight was set for May 5th in the undercard of Canelo vs Ryder, but Arroyo did not accept to fight in Mexico. They were set to meet this coming December as the result of a purse bid and Arroyo will not honor such fight, so he has lost his privileges and interim world championship" The Martinez-Arroyo Saga has come to an end, and seemingly solidified its place in history as one of the most cursed boxing matches ever
Understandable, anyone would call it quits after something so turbulent. Although I can't help, but feel disappointed for someone like Arroyo to have such a nasty way to leave the sport. He fought the pinnacle of the lower weights and always gave it a good. Too bad he didn't have his brother's lucky and win a title in a weak weight class. Although McWilliams could still change his mind. Would be cool if he manages to beat Martinez and sail off into the sunset.