Golovkin vs. Wade: Ryan Martin Added To The Undercard

By Steve Kim

Lightweight prospect Ryan Martin (13-0, 8 KO's) who has been sidelined due to the failures of SMS Promotions and has not fought since last May, has been added to the Gennady Golovkin-Dominick Wade undercard on April 23rd at the Forum in Inglewood, California.

"I'm happy to announce that we'll have undefeated lightweight Ryan Martin featured on the undercard and this will be a great addition for the fans,"said Tom Loeffler, the managing director of K2 Promotions. Also on this show is Pedro Duran, Walter Sarnoi along with female fighters, Kenia Enriquez and Seniesa Estrada. WBC flyweight champion Roman Gonzalez kicks off the HBO broadcast as he defends his crown against McWilliams Arroyo.

Martin, a former amateur standout from Chattanooga, Tennessee, stated,"After a long litigation and allot of efforts from my team, I’m fortunate to return to the ring on a huge platform. This will be my third time fighting in front of Peter Nelson and I expect to have an impressive performance for him, the fight fans and the many worldwide viewers that stream the international broadcast. I’m very grateful that Tom Loeffler has welcomed me to take part in the event."

It's been awhile since 'Blue Chip' faced live bullets. What's on his side is time given that he's still just 23 years old.

Tim Van Newhouse, who manages Martin stated,"Fortunately, Ryan is back on the fight-schedule. We are scheduled for April 23rd and our matchmaker Sean Gibbons is working on securing a formidable opponent for the event."

"Ryan has used these months off to prove that he has the makings of a champion in every way. He ?has? not been absent from the gym or the lives of his teammates. He has helped others get prepared for big fights and has used this time to grow as a fighter by leaps and bounds," said his trainer Joe Delguyd.

"Often times a young pro is so busy just taking that first 15 fights or so that there is no time to develop skills that are necessary to make a good transition into professional boxing. Ryan however, eleven-months older and wiser having developed his boxing IQ, punching power and defensive skills. Whoever is brave enough to get into the ring with him throughout this next year, I wish them the best of luck because this young man is poised to make a run at the lightweight division."

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.