By Ryan Maquiñana
In a battle of lightweight prospects, Stan “The Man” Martyniouk faces Osnel Charles on Sept. 24 at Metro Bank Park in Harrisburg, Pa., according to Nick Payton of Payton Promotions.
"Stan is one of the top prospects in the lightweight division,” Payton said. “He is now a true professional, as he has tasted adversity for the first time in his bright career.”
Martyniouk (10-1, 1 KO), of Antelope, Calif., reeled off ten straight victories before Khadaphi Proctor upset him via unanimous decision last November on the strength of three knockdowns.
Now having re-tooled, Martyniouk finds himself fighting in the Pennsylvania capital after a camp that included sparring with former WBC featherweight champ Elio Rojas.
“This comeback fight on September 24 is no soft touch, as he will be facing a man in Osnel Charles who is on a win streak and hasn’t lost in two years,” Payton added.
Charles (9-2, 1 KO), of Atlantic City, is a late replacement for Bryne Green (7-4-1, 3 KOs). After starting his career 1-2, “The Prince” has put together eight consecutive wins over the past year and a half. His latest triumph was a first-round knockout of Anthony Flores in June.
“The goal for Stan is a world title, and you don't get there by fighting stiffs,” Payton declared. “Both Martyniouk and Charles realize this fight has future title implications, and will serve to show the mettle and pedigree of each.”
Tickets are priced at $35, $45, and $500 for a VIP ringside table that seats eight; they can be purchased here: https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/team.asp?SponsorID=3955
Ryan Maquiñana is the boxing correspondent at Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. He’s a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and The Ring’s Ratings Advisory Panel. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his blog at www.maqdown.com or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.