Frank Martin, the 28-year-old boxer from Detroit, faced a challenging year in 2023 with limited ring action and a less-than-convincing performance against Artem Harutyunyan. Despite this, Martin is eager to rekindle his career momentum and has his sights set on a significant fight. He initially aimed for a vacant WBC title fight against Shakur Stevenson, but financial disagreements led to the collapse of negotiations, leaving Martin on the sidelines.
With the Stevenson opportunity seemingly off the table, Martin has shifted his focus to William Zepeda, a rising star in the boxing world known for his recent dominant victories. Eager to face Zepeda, Martin expressed his determination in a recent interview, stating, “I really want William Zepeda,” and revealing plans to discuss this potential matchup with his team.
However, Oscar De La Hoya, Zepeda’s promoter and a former Hall of Fame fighter, has other ideas for Martin. De La Hoya suggests that Martin must first face and defeat Shakur Stevenson before considering a fight with Zepeda. “Fight Stevenson,” De La Hoya stated on his social media, implying that a victory over Stevenson would be a prerequisite for a match with Zepeda.
This condition set by De La Hoya adds a layer of complexity to Martin’s path forward. A bout with Stevenson, a three-division champ, would not only be a major test for Martin but also a chance to redeem himself after a shaky year. Successfully navigating past Stevenson could open the door to the much-desired fight with Zepeda, positioning Martin for a significant comeback in the competitive boxing landscape.
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