On Saturday, June 15, Martin will face Gervonta “Tank” Davis for the WBA Lightweight championship.
DALLAS, Texas — Some things in life just come easy. At times, though, there are other things you just have to fight for.
Frank Martin started his boxing career late but has made a name for himself as one of the best fighters in the 135-pound division.
On Saturday, June 15, he’ll face Gervonta “Tank” Davis for the WBA Lightweight championship in Las Vegas.
“Boxing is me it’s a part of my life,” said Martin.
Martin was born in Detroit and raised in Indiana, but now calls Dallas home. He moved here when he was 25 years old.
Martin said he always knew he wanted to be a professional athlete.
“Everybody has their own call of duty, me being an athlete was my chance to open other doors,” he said.
Martin was an excellent football player and wrestler in high school. He always wanted to try boxing but never did because his mother didn’t want him to. But Martin said his life took an unexpected change when he was a senior in high school.
“Senior year … I had got into some trouble, I lost all my football and wrestling scholarships,” said Martin.
Martin told WFAA he was expelled from school and dedicated his life to boxing. He realized how the sport could change his life.
“It’s a lot of us that’s always in a negative light. So, I’m just trying to be a positive vessel for you know the other kids,” said Martin.
Martin said he surrounded himself with the right people in his corner through mentorship. His coach, Derrick James, said boxing is a tool that can teach young men how to control their anger and how to also have discipline and focus.
“What you do in the ring, prepares you for life,” James told WFAA.
James is from Oak Cliff, and through his foundation, he’s helped hundreds of kids with a fighting chance in life by giving away thousands of dollars in scholarships or mentorship.
James said it’s important to show kids they’re more than what they’re exposed to.
“I’m in debt to a particular community,” said James. “That’s the community that raised me. I tell the kids that I’m no different than you because I grew up in the boys and girls club.”
Martin said he knows some people doubt him but he believes in himself. He wants others to do the same.