By Anson Wainwright

From a young age Ryan Martin was highly touted.

The Ohio resident was dubbed 'Kid London' by Jermain Taylor who saw Martin's skills first hand at the Silver Gloves. When Martin failed to make the USA team for the 2012 Olympics he decided to make the switch to the professional game.

"That was always my dream as an amateur boxer, to make it to the biggest stage you can go to," Martin told BoxingScene.com. "Unfortunately that didn't happen. But now I'm in a different phase of my life.”

Martin decided to sign pro forms with 50 Cent's promotional outfit SMS Promotions.

“I’m very happy with what's going on around me,” he said. “With my whole team, from 50 Cent to SMS Promotions, to my manager Tim and my coaching staff. Everything is going according to plan and I’m very happy where I’m at right now.”

The youngster also enjoys a good relationship with the music mogul.

"I have a personal relationship with 50, he's a very smart guy and he's keeps his promises whatever he made to me in our negotiations."

Since turning pro in September 2013, the 6-feet tall lightweight has won all 8 bouts.

His manager Tim Van Newhouse has been happy with how his fighter has developed so far.

"I feel that over the past 13-months we've seen Ryan really develop into a more seasoned professional," said Van Newhouse. "He's a lot calmer now, he's picking his shots a lot better, I’m very pleased."

Martin has kept busy in 2014 and fights for the seventh time on Saturday when he steps up a level meeting Mexico’s Martin Cardona (17-3, 12 KO’s) over six-rounds on the Bernard Hopkins-Sergey Kovalev undercard at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ.

It's not an opportunity that has gone unnoticed by the 21-year old fighter.

"I'm very excited," said Martin. "This will be the biggest card I’ll have been a part of so far.

"To fight on the undercard of Bernard Hopkins who is going to be one of the greats when he's done is very humbling. I'm looking forward to sitting there and watching him do his job.

"I'd like to thank Golden Boy Promotions and Main Events for inviting me be part of this show and 50 Cent for giving me the opportunity to remain active."

Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him at www.twitter.com/AnsonWainwright