Frank Martin Defeats Tarik Zaina in Bid to Claim Junior Welterweight Division
Frank “The Ghost” Martin (20-1-1, 14 KOs) made a successful debut under Top Rank Promotions, scoring a seventh-round stoppage over former sparring partner Tarik Zaina at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. With a new promoter behind him, Martin hopes to secure a world title opportunity in 2027.
A FAMILIAR OPPONENT
Given the familiarity between the two fighters, the contest lacked excitement for much of the evening. Zaina (18-4-1, 12 KOs) remained competitive, but Martin consistently landed the sharper, cleaner punches through the first six rounds. Fighting comfortably from the outside, The Ghost appeared content to take his time rather than force the action. That approach paid dividends in the seventh round.
With a minute remaining in round seven, Martin landed a counter left hand. He followed up with a series of punches that hurt Zaina and sent him to the canvas. Martin would unleash another barrage of punches on the hurt Zaina, forcing the referee to stop the contest.
READY FOR THE BEST AT 140 POUNDS
Martin is undefeated at junior welterweight over three fights and does not hurt for confidence. He believes he belongs among the elite in what has become one of boxing’s deepest divisions. Before facing Zaina, he expressed interest in fighting the winner of the scheduled October 31 showdown between Lindolfo Delgado and Arthur Biyarslanov for the vacant IBF junior welterweight title. However, uncertainty surrounds that matchup. The fight may not take place as scheduled amid questions surrounding Delgado’s travel to Saudi Arabia.
Regardless of whether that opportunity materializes, Martin has several attractive targets. He could pursue the winner of an eventual Delgado-Biyarslanov clash or test himself against WBO champion Shakur Stevenson, WBC title-holder Dalton Smith, or WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell.
Martin’s Top Rank debut ended with a statement finish, but the bigger objective remains ahead. If The Ghost wants to establish himself among the division’s best, 2027 could be the year he finally gets the world title opportunity he has been seeking.
Be the first to comment