Frank Martin, with a record of 18-0 and 12 knockouts, is set to face off against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis for the WBA ‘regular’ lightweight title this Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Despite criticism for turning down a fight with Shakur Stevenson, Martin’s decision has paid off in the form of a bigger opportunity against Davis. Errol Spence, Martin’s coach, expresses his confidence in Martin’s readiness for the fight, emphasizing that this is a moment Martin has been preparing for. At 29 years old, Martin’s fighting style is reaching its peak, and waiting longer could prove to be a risky move. Despite a close call in his last fight against Artem Harutyunyan, Martin’s performance earned him the chance to face Davis. Spence acknowledges the criticism Martin received for not fighting Stevenson but believes that the opportunity against Davis is an even greater chance for Martin to prove himself as the top contender in the 135-pound division.
Spence also shared his thoughts on the possibility of a boxing league proposed by the Saudis, where promoters would collaborate to put on fights. While Spence sees potential in the idea, he acknowledges the challenge of aligning the egos and pride of multiple promoters. Some major promoters in the U.S., such as Top Rank and PBC, may not readily agree to such a collaboration, opting to continue with their own events. Golden Boy Promotions has shown interest in the concept, but the feasibility of all promoters coming together remains uncertain. Spence believes that if all parties involved can cooperate effectively, a boxing league could benefit the sport, providing opportunities for fighters to showcase their skills and prove their worth.
In a boxing league setting, fighters like Gervonta Davis may face a different landscape, where maneuvering around risky opponents becomes more challenging. Davis, who has faced criticism for his choice of opponents, including Rolly Romero, Leo Santa Cruz, Hector Garcia, and Isaac Cruz, could find it harder to avoid top-tier competition in a league format. Spence points out that a boxing league could potentially disrupt the careers of fighters accustomed to being protected and carefully matched, forcing them to step up and face tougher challenges. Tank Davis, in particular, may need to confront opponents he previously avoided, such as Vasily Lomachenko, to solidify his position as a dominant force in the division.
Frank Martin’s upcoming bout with Gervonta Davis presents a significant opportunity for the undefeated fighter to prove himself on a grand stage. With the support and confidence of his coach, Errol Spence, Martin is poised to showcase his skills and stake his claim as the best in the lightweight division. The prospect of a boxing league, while promising in theory, poses challenges in practice due to the varying interests and priorities of different promoters. However, if realized successfully, a boxing league could usher in a new era for the sport, providing fans with compelling matchups and giving fighters like Tank Davis the chance to demonstrate their true abilities.