Frank Martin is ready to challenge for world titles after winning his WBA eliminator against Michel Rivera on Saturday night.
The lightweight pair fought in Las Vegas and Martin ran out the winner by clear, unanimous decision with scores of 120-107, 118-109 and 117-110, with Rivera also being knocked to the canvas in the seventh round.
"This is just what I do,” said Martin after the fight, reported BoxingScene.com.
“I felt good tonight. There were some things that I saw in there that I didn't capitalize on, but we went in there and got the job done. My corner was telling me to stay on the outside, watch out for the right hand and work the game plan. I was using my legs and I could have done it a lot more. It worked for us tonight, but there's a lot of room for improvement and we're going to keep working.”
The 27-year-old American was plainly the better fighter and now has a chance to challenge for the WBA belt, currently held by undisputed champion at 135lbs, Devin Haney.
"It's a blessing to be in the gym with Errol [Spence] and Jermell [Charlo] and they keep me going,” continued Martin. “I'm always watching Errol when he's sparring and I'm always asking questions and looking to get better. Seeing champions on top like them, I'm getting nothing but game from them.
"We believe in 'Man Down.’
“It’s protect yourself at all times. He got caught slipping and he went down.”
While Martin could be ordered to fight Haney, rumours persist that he will take on former unified champion, Ukrainian Vasily Lomachenko.
Martin, though, is ready for anyone
"I just believe in myself and I believe in our team,” he stated. “We know what we're doing and we're working consistently. We believed in it and believed that we're ready for any of the top fighters, so let us get them. We're ready to eat.”