By Luis Sandoval

Young prospects in boxing are the future of the sport. Many of them go through boxing’s revolving doors not knowing if they’ll stay or eventually have to come back out. The good ones however always have a way of standing out and distinguish themselves early on.

Standout amateur and now Lightweight prospect Ryan “Blue Chip” Martin has hit the ground running as a professional as he signed a multiyear promotional deal with 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions and has already produced a record of 3-0, 2KOs.

His nickname isn’t the only thing that suggests Martin is indeed a blue chip fighter. His compiled 12 National Championships and over 200 amateur career wins back up his name and prove just how gifted of a boxer he is.

Hailing from Chattanooga, TN and now living in Cleveland, OH, Martin started boxing at a young age like most of today’s top fighters. At 7 years old, Martin got his first taste of boxing and he’s been involved with it ever since.

“I started at the age of 7 but couldn’t fight until the age of 8. My older brother Courtney Campbell, he was babysitting me and I’d just follow him to the gym. I loved the sport ever since and just been at it. I loved hitting another guy in the face when I was 8 years old and not get in trouble for it! It’s the only sport I ever did in my whole life” said Martin.

Like many young fighters, Martin had aspirations to be USA Olympian and was the number one ranked lightweight in 2010 in the state of Tennessee. His road to the Olympics however was sidetracked when he lost a close decision in the 2012 Olympic qualifier to then undefeated prospect Robert Easter Jr.
It was then that Ryan Martin was given an opportunity he couldn’t refuse as his manager Tim VanNewHouse was able to get him a deal with 50 Cent’s newly formed SMS Promotions. Turning professional with SMS Promotions was a decision he’s glad he made and is excited to be working along 50 Cent. 

“It feels great being part of 50 cent with SMS Promotions. To be with a guy like 50, it’s a blessing. For him to notice my talents and wanting to be a part of my career is great. I’m blessed with an amazing team and the best is yet to come” Martin would tell BoxingScene.

Martin describes himself as a boxer puncher and despite just turning 21 years old this past Wednesday, one of the fighters he admires and likes to watch is Sugar Ray Leonard.

“Growing up I didn’t watch much boxing but now when I did have time and was coming up, [I watched] Sugar Ray Leonard. I love everything about him in and outside the ring. That guy is an icon inside and outside the ring and it’s unbelievable what he’s done” said Martin.

Martin also points to Andre Ward and Floyd Mayweather as current fighters he watches and tries to learn and pick up things from.

Ultimately his goal in boxing like many young fighters is to become a world champion but he also wants to bring boxing as a sport back to the forefront.

“One day I want to be the smartest fighter in the ring. Of course I want to be a world champion in multiple divisions. I just want to bring the sport back and make the sport more enjoyable. Most people think UFC is taking over boxing so I want to encourage every fighter to let’s bring boxing back together”.

Martin is coming off a victory over Jose Del Valle where he went 4 rounds for the first time. He is set to be back in the ring soon and like any other blue chip fighter, he’s one to keep an eye on.

You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @Truewest007.