It is not uncommon to hear stories of prizefighters picking up the sport as a child. Anywhere from ages 8-10, fighters begin their journey by going into the gym and eventually fighting as an amateur.

Unbeaten lightweight Frank Martin got his start in boxing late and, after success against modest opposition thus far, believes he can still elevate his skill-set in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions.

Martin will square off against late-sub Jackson Marinez tonight at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The 10-round bout will open the Showtime Championship Boxing telecast (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT). 

The southpaw Martin was originally scheduled to fight contender Ricardo Nunez, but is now facing Marinez after Nunez pulled out of the fight due to visa issues that prevented him from entering the United States. 

Martin (15-0, 10 knockouts), who is originally from Detroit, Michigan and went to live in Indianapolis and currently lives and trains in the Dallas, Texas area, last fought on January 1, knocking out Romero Duno of the Philippines in the opening round. In his previous fight, Martin defeated Ryan Kielczweski by decision over 10 one-sided rounds. 

The 27-year-old has become one to watch in the lightweight division, but the strong mentality did not begin in the boxing gym. Martin was a star athlete in high school, playing football and participating in wrestling, where he was a top wrestler that participated in the state tournament. 

Martin first began lacing up the gloves at the age of 18, eventually fighting in amateur tournaments. He would turn pro in October 2017. 

So far, Martin has produced solid performances, thanks to working with trainer Derek James, who also trains undisputed junior middleweight champion Jermell Charlo and unified welterweight titleholder Errol Spence.

“I’ve learned a lot training with Derek and I’ve felt sharper each time out,” Martin told BoxingScene earlier this week. “There’s a common misconception that all fighters look at the positives in watching film. We look at the mistakes I make and correct them. We look to learn from them and move forward.”

Martin has become a legit prospect thus far and maintains a balance of being motivated to want to get better as a prizefighter and the confidence he will one day fight for a world title. 

“I’m a prospect, but I believe I can face any of the top fighters at the end of the year or early next year,” said Martin, who stopped Jerry Perez in a clash of unbeaten lightweights on April 20 of last year in what turned out to be his television debut. 

The 135-pound division is one of the best in boxing, in terms of talent. Devin Haney, who is now the undisputed champion, Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, George Kambosos, Jr., and Isaac Cruz, just to name a few, top the division.

Martin believes an impressive victory tonight could open the door to entering the upper echelon of the division.

“I know these fighters are not going out of their way to want to face me. Not now. I’m just going out there to do my best in each outing. 

“I believe if I can get better and move up the rankings that there will be more opportunities for me. I’m confident I can fight against any of the top fighters in the division.”

Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene since September 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing