Frank Martin Overcomes Adversity to Stop Jackson Marinez Late!
Rising, unbeaten 135-pound contender Frank “The Ghost” Martin (16-0, 12KOs) took on perhaps the toughest opponent of his young career in Jackson “El Fenix” Marinez (19-3, 7KOs). Martin, who came into this fight ranked #14 in the WBA standings, looked to pick up a solid win over Marinez. Now being trained by Derek James, The Ghost was forced to shift gears from his original opponent, Ricardo Nunez. In having to go from a power-punching Nunez to a tall, slick boxer in El Fenix, Martin wanted to showcase his adaptability.
As for El Fenix, he came into this bout looking to halt his two-fight losing streak. Most people believe he easily defeated Rolando Romero. In their 2020 bout, he was instead on the wrong end of an egregious unanimous decision loss. The 5’10 contender would be utterly dispatched and disposed of in six rounds in his next fight against former IBF 135-pound champion Richard Commey.
This matchup between boxer-puncher Martin and boxer Marinez had a lot on the line and will provide the winner with significant opportunities moving forward.
IN TOUGH!
In what looked to be a tough fight for Martin, it was just that! Martin was facing a very formidable opponent in Jackson Marinez on short notice; he had to take his game to the next level to secure his sixteenth career victory.
The Ghost came out aggressive as usual, letting his hands go. The shorter man had to work his way throughout the course of the fight. This was due to Marinez’s sporting a significant height and reach advantage.
While Martin landed some punishing blows early, Marinez had his own fair share of impressive offense as he hit Martin clean. Unfortunately for El Fenix, the power didn’t bother the lightweight hopeful.
BRINGING THE PAIN AND POWER LATE!
After settling down in the later rounds, in round nine, Martin was finally able to land some seriously hurtful shots on a fatigued Marinez. In the latter seconds of round nine, he would land two unanswered right hooks that would send El Fenix to the canvas. Luckily for Marinez, as he rose to his feet, the bell sounded, signaling the end of the round.
However, the minute break wouldn’t be enough for him to recover as Martin immediately began to dish out punishment. Sensing his opponent was there for the taking, The Ghost jumped on El Fenix, landing repeated hard right hooks that ultimately saw Marinez succumb to the power.
While it wasn’t his most impressive performance, it was one that was needed for his development. With this tenth round knockout win, Martin now looks for bigger and better fights. In particular, with the likes of undisputed 135-pound champion Devin Haney and WBA Regular champ Gervonta Davis.
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By: Jerrell Fletcher
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