Boxing’s hottest divisions are lightweight and junior welterweight. Discover the fascinating story of a young boxing prodigy making waves. Watch Frank Martin demonstrate his talent and dedication.
The division is home to Gervonta Davis, a major draw. Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson, Vasyl Lomachenko, Teofimo Lopez, Ryan Garcia, Subriel Matias, Jose Ramirez, Regis Prograis, and rising challengers like Gary Antuanne Russell are all five pounds north.
Its depth and talent are rare. The 1990s belonged to middleweight and super middleweight. The last decade belonged to flyweight and junior bantamweight.
With star power and the possibility for new fortune, it’s better. Davis-Garcia was a hit earlier this year. Although smaller, Haney-Lomachenko paid off well. In crowded fields, sometimes good isn’t enough.
Frank Martin Vs Michel Rivera
The 28-year-old “Ghost” entered the pack last December. Martin overcame undefeated Michel Rivera in 12 rounds in a pick ‘em battle. He outboxed, outfought, and outthought Rivera to pitch a near-shutout.
The result shouldn’t have surprised. Martin’s game was built on Derrick James’s teachings. It was reminiscent of a warrior like Stevie Johnston from another generation, whose parts suggest a long night for anyone for years to come.
That could be Martin’s challenge. Johnston never fought Shane Mosley or Floyd Mayweather, despite his talent.
Frank Martin’s next boxing bout
Martin hasn’t been flamboyant or the knockout artist yet. He’s great and needs to build on the Rivera fight. In his next main bout on Saturday (Showtime, 10 PM EST), Martin faces 32-year-old 2016 Olympic bronze winner Artem Harutyunyan (12-0, 7 KO).
Since 2017, Harutyunyan’s career has progressed steadily. Twelve fights in six years aren’t exactly rocket fuel, but Harutyunyan has a shot Saturday to catch up. Martin is ranked in the top 10 at lightweight by all four main sanctioning organizations and TBRB, The Ring, and ESPN press rankings. Harutyunyan is WBC number eight.
Harutyunyan is fighting to establish his own place as Martin fights to keep his. Could it make a nice fight?
On a weekend when they’ll be in the spotlight before a burst of activity later in the month, a battle that gets people talking could be ideal for both.
The best scenario for Martin is to keep people talking about him like they did after the Rivera fight. The more he stands out in a crowd, the faster he leaves.
