Frank Martin Secures a Close Victory Over Artem Harutyunyan
In a thrilling encounter that kept boxing aficionados on the edge of their seats, Frank “The Ghost” Martin emerged victorious in a WBC lightweight title eliminator, showcasing his resilience against the formidable Artem Harutyunyan. This boxing spectacle, as detailed by Rob Smith in Boxing247, unfolded at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, marking a significant milestone in Martin’s undefeated career.
Early Rounds Dominated by Harutyunyan
Artem Harutyunyan, with his 2016 Olympic bronze medalist pedigree, initially took the lead, displaying a masterclass in boxing skills. “The highly technical Harutyunyan surprised a lot of people by out-boxing & out-punching the 28-year-old Martin in the first five rounds and showing off his superior skills,” as per the original article. It was a showcase of tactical prowess, with Harutyunyan’s combination of punching and movement outperforming Martin’s expectations.
Martin’s Comeback
However, the tide began to turn from the sixth round. Martin, tapping into his power shots and relentless pressure, began to dismantle Harutyunyan’s early dominance. This shift in momentum was crucial, as Martin started to claw his way back, demonstrating his determination and fighting spirit.
A Dramatic Conclusion
The climax of the bout was nothing short of cinematic. Harutyunyan, visibly fatigued and under duress, took a knee in the twelfth round, an act of desperation to evade Martin’s aggressive onslaught. This moment underscored the intense pressure Martin was capable of exerting on his opponents. Despite Harutyunyan’s efforts to recover, the unanimous decision tilted in Martin’s favour, with scores reflecting the close nature of the contest: 114-113, 115-112, 115-112.
Future Prospects for Martin
Following this victory, there are calls for caution regarding Martin’s progression in the boxing world. “After this performance by Martin, Errol Spence Jr needs to slow down the progression of ‘The Ghost’ because he’s NOT ready for the likes of Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson, or Gervonta Davis,” Rob Smith suggests. This cautious approach highlights the need for strategic career planning to hone Martin’s skills further.
This encounter not only adds a captivating chapter to Martin’s career but also sets the stage for what promises to be an intriguing path ahead in the lightweight division.