It is a evening the place boxing followers can put their eyes the place their mouths and social media fingers usually journey.
Combat followers who tire of watching scorching prospects comply with the sample of beating retreads and pale former titlists whereas rigorously positioning for the most effective suited accessible titlist don’t have to fret about that this weekend. This weekend, two scorching abilities are opting to check one another to get forward within the race.
Saturday (Showtime, 10 PM EST), followers who have been disillusioned by a few of what 2022 couldn’t ship in its last quarter needs to be in entrance of the tv right here. That is the type of non-title combat everybody says they need however don’t all the time assist. In a thick light-weight division, two undefeated battlers of their 20s are attempting to earn a shot in a division with an undisputed champion, Devin Haney, and a big-ticket draw, Gervonta Davis, the old school method.
They’re throwing fingers.
Let’s get into it.
Stats and Stakes
Frank Martin
Age: 29
Title/Earlier Titles: None
Peak: 5’8
Weight: 134 ¾ lbs.
Stance: Southpaw
Hails from: Detroit, Michigan
Document: 16-0, 12 KO
Press Rankings: #7 (Ring)
Document in Main Title Fights: N/A
Final 5 Opponents: 98-21-4 (.813)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: None
Further Present/Former Titlists Confronted: None
Vs.
Michel Rivera
Age: 24
Title/Earlier Titles: None
Peak: 5’9
Weight: 134 ½ lbs.
Stance: Orthodox
Hails from: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Document: 24-0, 14 KO
Press Rankings: #8 (Ring)
Document in Main Title Fights: N/A
Final 5 Opponents: 86-7-2 (.916)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB and/or Ring Rated Foes: None
Further Present/Former Titlists Confronted: Stuart Corridor SD12, UD12
The Choose: It is a fascinating match partly as a result of we don’t know who’s extra susceptible right here. Rivera seems to be naturally larger in body, and is definitely taller and longer. The Dominican employs high quality stress, a superb jab, and a whipping left hand to finish mixtures. If Rivera can pin Martin on the finish of the stick and transfer ahead, his downhill momentum may imply a giant evening.
Conversely, the southpaw type of Martin is the kind that may wreak havoc on anybody. Martin works behind an informed jab, throws exhausting to the physique, and will be exhausting to seek out as he makes himself smaller within the pocket. Martin can be the larger puncher right here with a bit extra expertise by way of opposition. Martin has seen three strong veterans in a row, together with a Jackson Marinez who was arguably robbed in opposition to Rolly Romero and who had been rounds with Richard Commey.
Primarily based on what’s been seen to date, the youthful Rivera seemingly can afford a loss right here and enhance from it. This will likely even be the start of an actual rivalry. At this level although, it’s Martin who seems extra positive of himself within the ring, extra rounded, and extra harmful. The decide is Martin by choice or late stoppage in a combat the place his protection is extra essential than both man’s offense.
Rold Picks 2022: 58-17
Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, a member of the Worldwide Boxing Analysis Group, and a member of the Boxing Writers Affiliation of America. He will be reached at [email protected]