On Saturday, one of boxing’s best young fighters looks to put on the type of performance that will have his name in every conversation regarding the future of the lightweight division. Frank Martin (17-0, 12 KOs) looks to continue his winning ways as he faces the undefeated Artem Harutyunyan (12-0, 7 KOs) live on Showtime from the Chelsea Theater inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Nevada.
Martin has been the topic of discussion when speaking of the division’s crop of young talent. He’s had virtual sparring sessions on Twitter with other lightweights but has pulled back a bit as he knows there is a plan for his career. His promoter Errol Spence Jr. is in charge of looking out for his fighter’s best interest and get his 28-year-old lightweight's main event right around the time of his mega event. It’s a smart move, as Martin will get the rub from the big fight on July 29, and those looking to catch up on the sport leading up to it will find the Showtime telecast on Saturday night.
While in the gym training for July 29 Fight against Terence Crawford, @errolspencejr gives us his prediction on how @TheGhost_2016’s fight against Artem Harutyunyan ends this weekend on @showtimeboxing at @TheChelseaLV. #MartinHarutyunyan #SpenceCrawford #ManDown pic.twitter.com/F6J4KSwClO
— Premier Boxing Champions (@premierboxing) July 11, 2023
Although Martin is a talent, he knows that remaining focused now is more important than ever, as each fight is a step closer to a title shot. Although this is Harutyunyan’s U.S. debut, Martin is not taking him lightly and has a good idea of what his opponent will bring. Martin told ProBoXTV, “I’ve done my research as far as watching some of his fights, but for the most part, I know he has a nice amateur background with over 200 amateur fights and was a bronze medalist in the Olympics. He’s a guy since he hasn’t fought in the U.S. that everybody will say he’s a nobody, but everybody ain’t making no Olympics. For me to say I’m ready for all of the top guys, this guy is just in the way of getting to those bigger names. I have to continue to do what I do and get the job done.”
For those that may think Martin will have some ring rust, rest assured he is focused as ever and has been in the gym since his last fight in June 2022. Martin gloved up once last year but now is at a point where he will be fighting twice a year with a potential title shot within the next two years. “It’s just all about being ready and being ready for this fight. It’s been like a long little stretch, but I’m looking forward to this fight. I’ve been in the gym since my last fight, so I don’t feel like it’s too much of a difference (not being as active as last year). I’m going to go in there, get the job done and get something right after this fight before the end of the year. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
🥊 #MartinHarutyunyan
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) July 10, 2023
🗓 SATURDAY
🕙 10PM ET/7PM PT
📺 @Showtime pic.twitter.com/1VsRBHpykF
Martin has his eyes set on the rest of the lightweight division, but instead of calling out names, he just simply wants to send a message with his performance on Saturday night. Martin told ProBoxTV, “Moving forward, I’m not going to really say no names. I’m ready for all of the top guys. I’m not ducking none of them. If any of them were to give me the opportunity, I’m ready for it.”
