Ryan Martin (born February 26, 1993) is an American professional boxer. As an amateur, he was an Olympic hopeful and won several National Amateur Championships but failed to qualify for the 2012 Olympics.[1][2]

Ryan Martin
Born (1993-02-26) February 26, 1993 (age 31)
NationalityAmerican
Other namesBlue Chip
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Reach74 in (188 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights28
Wins26
Wins by KO16
Losses2

Amateur career

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Anson Wainwright of BoxingScene wrote, "From a young age Martin was highly touted." He was dubbed "Kid London" by famed Jermain Taylor as a promising favorite for the 2012 Olympic team.[3] Martin had a reported record of 202 wins with 22 losses, winning numerous American National Championships.[4] His most notable accomplishment was his lightweight gold medal performance at the men's 2010 Under-19 National Championship, earning a berth to represent Team USA.[5]

He was to represent Team USA at the 2010 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Azerbaijan. However, the entire team wasn't able to compete due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland. This was the lone qualifier for the 2010 Summer Youth Olympic games held in Singapore.

At the 2012 Olympic qualifying tournament, Martin failed to advance to the Summer Games by losing to the Olympic alternate, Robert Easter, on points 14-8.[6]

Professional career

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After various meetings with promotional companies to sign professionally, the media announced in August 2013 that Martin had signed an exclusive, multi-year, undisclosed deal with rap mogul Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.[7]

On September 16, 2013, Martin made his professional debut defeating Darus Somieari by way of TKO in round two.[8] He finished 2013 with a KO victory stopping Eric Goodall in just one round. Reports showed HBO's VP of Programming, Peter Nelson, watching the bout ringside with 50 Cent.[9]

Martin was very active in 2014, being put on a fast track by his promoter 50 Cent and manager Tim VanNewhouse.[10] He compiled a total of eight fights while fighting on the undercards of major events televised by Showtime Boxing,[11] ESPN[12] and HBO Sports.[13]

On January 22, 2014 Showtime Sports Shobox analyst Steve Farhood labeled Ryan Martin as a top prospect.[14]

WBC Continental Americas lightweight champion

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Martin vs. Villaraga

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Originally, Martin was to face veteran Fermin De Los Santos. However, De Los Santos was stopped at customs three days before the fight and was prevented from entering the country. An announcement was made that Martin would face former Olympian César Villaraga for the vacant WBC Continental Americas lightweight title.[15]

Martin had a four-inch height advantage and a longer reach than the former Olympian. He was able to stay on the outside as he landed clean punches on Villaraga. Villaraga attempted to initiate exchanges, but Martin effectively countered with three- and four-punch combinations to the head, while digging big left hooks to the body. Slowly but surely, he began to break Villaraga down as the fight went on. In round 4 Martin landed a big overhand right, scoring a knockdown. He continued to dominate throughout the second half of the fight by fast counter punch combinations. All three judges scored the bout in favor of Martin: 79-72, 79-72, and 78-73.

On May 5, 2018, Martin battled Briedis Prescott in an eight round super lightweight bout. Martin managed to score a knockdown in the fifth, which helped him win comfortably on the scorecards, 79-71, 79-71 and 77-73.[16] Martin managed to also drop his opponent in fourth round twice, however, the judge ruled his shots below the waist in both instances.[17]

In his next fight, Martin fought Josh Taylor as a part of the WBSS super lightweight quarter final. Taylor won the fight convincingly, with Martin looking outmatched throughout the fight. Despite coach Abel Sanchez pleading with him to let his hands go, Martin did not seem able to loosen up and start throwing punches towards his opponent. The fight was stopped in the seventh round.[18]

In his next fight, Martin bounced back with a convincing win over Carlos Velasquez, battering the veteran from the opening bell. Velasquez decided to not leave his stool after the end of round six, awarding Martin with the victory.[19]

Personal life

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Martin embarked for the Dominican Republic after winning a silver medal at the 2009 National Junior Olympics. He and other USA team members boxed in four cities throughout the nation, carrying with them their Christian faith and spreading the word of Jesus Christ. The week-long trip was organized by USA Boxing's 2008 Olympic Games team manager Joe Smith.[20]

In 2010 Martin received a proclamation from the Mayor of Chattanooga that anointed him an Ambassador of Goodwill "in recognition of his outstanding athletic abilities and service to his community". Mayor Littlefield signed the proclamation.[21]

On February 12, 2014 RevolutionWear's FRIGO underwear company announced a two-year undisclosed sponsorship deal with the boxer. "We're delighted to be working with Ryan Martin," says RevolutionWear's founder and CEO Mathias Ingvarsson. "It's a thrill to see athletes and everyday Americans incorporate FRIGO® into their active lifestyles." The deal mentioned Everlast Worldwide being a part of the design process for Martin's ring attire.[22]

On May 13, 2014, rapper 50 Cent released the music video for "Winners Circle", featuring Guordan Banks, from his fifth studio album, Animal Ambition: An Untamed Desire to Win. The video, directed by Eif Rivera, shows 50 Cent jogging and Martin training for a fight. They meet up in the ring for a victory, joining each other in the winner's circle.[23]

Professional boxing record

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26 fights 24 wins 2 losses
By knockout 14 1
By decision 10 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
26 Loss 24–2   Robert Easter Jr. UD 12 Feb 20, 2021   Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.
25 Win 24–1   Hevinson Herrera TKO 1 (10), 1:45 Oct 16, 2020   White Sands Treatment Center, Plant City, Florida, U.S.
24 Win 23–1   Carlos Velasquez RTD 6 (10), 3:00 Jun 27, 2020   White Sands Treatment Center, Plant City, Florida, U.S.
23 Loss 22–1   Josh Taylor TKO 7 (12), 2:21 Nov 3, 2018   The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland For WBC Silver super lightweight title;
World Boxing Super Series: Super lightweight quarter-final
22 Win 22–0   Breidis Prescott UD 8 May 5, 2018   StubHub Center, Carson, California, U.S.
21 Win 21–0   Luis Eduardo Florez KO 4 (10), 0:30 Mar 27, 2018   The Avalon, Hollywood, California, U.S.
20 Win 20–0   Francisco Rojo SD 10 Sep 16, 2017   T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBC Continental Americas lightweight title;
Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental lightweight title
19 Win 19–0   Marcos Jimenez UD 10 Jun 30, 2017   Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
18 Win 18–0   Bryant Cruz TKO 8 (10), 0:45 Mar 18, 2017   Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained WBC Continental Americas lightweight title
17 Win 17–0   Yardley Armenta Cruz KO 4 (8), 0:48 Dec 16, 2016   Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
16 Win 16–0   César Villarraga UD 8 Sep 10, 2016   The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S. Won vacant WBC Continental Americas lightweight title
15 Win 15–0   Samuel Amoako UD 6 Jul 16, 2017   Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
14 Win 14–0   Rosbel Montoya KO 5 (6), 1:51 Apr 23, 2016   The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
13 Win 13–0   Ivan Zavala TKO 1 (6), 1:04 May 9, 2015   Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas, U.S.
12 Win 12–0   Miguel Soto TKO 4 (6), 0:54 Apr 11, 2015   José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, San Juan, Puerto Rico
11 Win 11–0   Carlos Valenzuela UD 6 Feb 7, 2015   State Farm Arena, Hidalgo, Texas, U.S.
10 Win 10–0   Edgar Llanez TKO 2 (6), 2:03 Dec 5, 2014   Grand Plaza Hotel, Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
9 Win 9–0   Isaias Martin Gonzales TKO 2 (6), 0:38 Nov 8, 2014   Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
8 Win 8–0   Engelberto Valenzuela TKO 1 (6), 0:54 Aug 8, 2014   Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
7 Win 7–0   Matthew Bacca UD 4 Jul 2, 2014   Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, Connecticut, U.S.
6 Win 6–0   Ian James UD 4 Jun 6, 2014   Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, New York, U.S.
5 Win 5–0   Misael Chacon UD 4 Apr 18, 2014   Convention Center, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
4 Win 4–0   Justin Robbins TKO 2 (4), 2:42 Mar 28, 2014   Twin River Casino, Lincoln, Rhode Island, U.S.
3 Win 3–0   Jose Del Valle UD 4 Feb 12, 2014   Roseland Ballroom, New York City, New York, U.S.
2 Win 2–0   Eric Jamar Goodall TKO 1 (4), 1:22 Dec 20, 2013   Resorts World Casino, New York City, New York, U.S.
1 Win 1–0   Darus Somieari TKO 2 (4), 1:42 Sep 16, 2013   Resorts World Casino, New York City, New York, U.S.

References

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  1. ^ Bush, Ron (7 September 2013). "Boxer Ryan Martin to begin Pro Boxing". Times Free Press. After more than 200 amateur fights and 12 national championships under various labels, Chattanooga boxer Ryan Martin has gone pro ...
  2. ^ "Lightweight Ryan Martin stands out from Sea of prospects". fighthype.com. Sandoval, Louis. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  3. ^ "from a young age Ryan was highly touted". boxingscene.com. Waignwright, Anson. 28 October 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  4. ^ "Boxer off to great pro start". WRCBtv.com. Sports Anchor, Paul Shanen. 2 October 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2013.
  5. ^ "The 2010 under-19 champions are crowned". boxing247.com. December 2, 2010. Archived from the original on December 15, 2014.
  6. ^ Wainwright, Anson. "New Faces". ringtv.com. Ring TV. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  7. ^ Shanen, Paul (17 May 2014). "Martin featured in 50 Cents new music video". wrcbtv channel 3 news.
  8. ^ "Darus Somieari". boxrec.com. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  9. ^ "Ryan Martin Graces Hopkins Kovalev undercard". boxingscene.com. Jake Donovan. November 3, 2014.
  10. ^ "Martin looking to do big things". boxingscene.com. Sandoval, Luis. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  11. ^ "Martin Humbled to land slot on Iron Mike's card". boxingscene.com. Luis Sandoval. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  12. ^ "Martin wins Pro bout on ESPN". www.wdef.com. Archived from the original on 27 December 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  13. ^ "BHOP-Kovalev undercard unveiled". espn.com. Dan Rafael. 24 October 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  14. ^ "Steve Farhood on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  15. ^ "Ryan Martin has new opponent". Boxingscene.com, Steve Kim. 9 September 2016. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  16. ^ "Martin vs Prescott - News, Tape, Ringwalk, TV, Streaming & Tickets". Box.Live. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
  17. ^ "Golovkin-Martirosyan LIVE Results From StubHub Center". BoxingScene.com. 5 May 2018. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
  18. ^ Christ, Scott (2018-11-03). "Josh Taylor dominates Ryan Martin, moves to WBSS semifinal". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
  19. ^ "Ryan Martin Batters Velasquez For TKO Win in Six Rounds". BoxingScene.com. 28 June 2020. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
  20. ^ "Boxers raise funds to share faith". timesfreepress.com. Ben Benton. Archived from the original on 24 December 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2009.
  21. ^ "council files agenda minutes" (PDF). No. April Minutes. Chattanooga Council. April 13, 2010.
  22. ^ "FRIGO announces Two-Year Deal". Kayla Inserta. PRNNEWS. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  23. ^ "Winners Circle Video". mtv.com. Adam Fliescher. Archived from the original on May 16, 2014. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
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