A masterclass from American boxer Frank Martin humbles the 'Reincarnation of Muhammad Ali'
- American boxer Frank Martin scored a dominant win Saturday in Las Vegas.
- Martin outclassed Michel Rivera, who had been calling himself 'The Reincarnation of Muhammad Ali.'
LAS VEGAS — A masterclass from American boxer Frank Martin humbled a fighter who this week called himself "The reincarnation of Muhammad Ali."
Martin dropped and almost stopped Michel Rivera in a battle of undefeated lightweights Saturday at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Nevada.
The gulf in quality was evident from the off, and straight left shots to Rivera's dome were an instant Martin specialty as he lit his opponent up with powerful punching.
It wasn't just power, though, as the Derrick James-coached 135-pounder showed exceptional ability on his feet and attacked Rivera with fierce combinations before pivoting away to ensure he was out of danger and in another position to make his adversary feel vulnerable.
Martin floored Rivera in the seventh round
Rivera would paw with his jab and paw with his right. It was as if he feared the venom that Martin would unleash should he commit to the shots.
But fear is something Martin preyed on, because when he threw his shots — to the head or to the body — he landed with aplomb.
Nothing would get in the way of him cocking his hammer, pulling the trigger, and firing body blows, uppercuts, and of course, those heavy left hands that seemed increasingly nasty.
Rivera would throw — he had his opportunities — but Martin's defensive discipline, which relied on a high left hand, upper bodywork, and foot movement, mostly out-foxed La Zarza Ali.
Speed was seen to be Rivera's main attribute going into this fight but as the contest played out it was like Martin even had the advantage there, too.
Martin dominated Rivera
Martin knocked Rivera down in the seventh with a one-two counter but, even before he floored him, Rivera was boxing like he had the pop in his punches beaten out of him.
It all seemed to be strategic from Martin as the shots to the body may have taken their toll on Rivera, yet those shots never stopped coming and Rivera looked like he wanted to be anywhere but the ring.
Rivera survived the 12-round distance but it came at a cost as announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. confirmed a unanimous decision win for Martin with near-shutout scores of 117-110, 118-109, and 120-107.
"He felt who the stronger man was," Martin told Insider and other reporters backstage. "I showed speed, power, and the footwork was all a part of the game plan — not standing in one spot."
Martin added: "I'm always ready to go the distance so it's never disappointing not to get a knockout when you got the shutout."
On possible opponents in the future, he said: "I want them all. We can get Gervonta Davis, we can get Devin Haney. Let's make it happen."
The victory advanced Martin's pro boxing record to 17 wins (12 knockouts) and no losses.