By Jake Donovan

While there was never a doubt that Ryan Martin would come out victorious in his April 11 showcase bout in Puerto Rico, whether or not he’d escape unscathed was another story. The unbeaten lightweight was roughed up by Mikito Soto, who offered as dirty a performance as he could get away with before being stopped in four rounds on the undercard of Rocky Martinez’ win over Orlando Salido.

Martin picked up his 12th career victory – 7th by knockout – but also suffered a cut that potentially jeopardized an appearance on the undercard of SMS Promotions stablemate James Kirkland in his challenge of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez on May 9 in Houston. Those fears were alleviated when Martin was recently given a clean bill of health and permitted to fight next month as scheduled.

“Doc says we should be fine for May 9th,” informed Tim VanNewhouse, Martin’s longtime manager. “We are going to take some extra precautions throughout training to make sure we don't interfere with the healing process.”

An opponent has yet to be named for Martin, a former amateur standout from Chattanooga, Tenn. who now lives in and trains out of Cleveland, Ohio.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox