Frank Martin grew sick and tired of the leisurely pace in which his career was going. So, in an effort to speed up his process, the soon-to-be 28-year-year-old found himself standing across the ring from fellow highly ranked prospect, Michel Rivera.
Though their showdown was pegged as a 50/50 affair, Martin (17-0, 12 KOs) quickly dismissed that notion from the moment the opening bell officially rang, battering Rivera en route to a decisive unanimous decision victory on December 17th.
With a gigantic smile plastered across his normally stoic face, Martin wasted no time in calling out some of the lightweight division’s upper echelon, including Ryan Garcia, Gervonta “Tank” Davis, and Devin Haney.
Martin’s head trainer, Derrick James, has refused to place a muzzle on his up-and-coming fighter in the immediate aftermath. With a world of potential and an insatiable desire to improve, James believes that Martin is in fact, ready for the big stage.
“I think that he is,” said James to Fight Hub TV when asked if Martin is prepared to face the lightweight division’s elite. “But at the same time, I think that being there is all about depth. Having more knowledge, more intellect.”
Currently, the lightweight division houses a plethora of talented champions and highly-ranked contenders. Haney, the division’s undisputed titlist, has staked his claim as the man to beat after back-to-back triumphs over George Kambosos Jr. In any event, despite Haney holding firm to his golden trinkets, James doesn't believe he’s the man to beat. Instead, presiding at the very top of the lightweight division, in James’ view, is the pugnacious puncher from Baltimore Maryland.
“A fight like this helps you but at the same time, you have to realize who those other guys are. Michel Rivera is not “Tank” Davis.” Really, Tank Davis is the top of the top.”
