Frank Martin defeats Artem
In a thrilling night of boxing at the renowned Chelsea Ballroom in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Nevada, sports enthusiasts witnessed an electrifying Main Event presented by Showtime promoter Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Frank "The Ghost" Martin, a formidable lightweight southpaw hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana, stepped into the ring to face the highly regarded Olympic Bronze Medalist and WBC International Lightweight champion, Artem Harutyunyan, in a pulsating WBC title eliminator.
Right from the opening bell, the action was intense and closely contested. Martin showcased his skills with a series of well-executed body shots, asserting his presence in the first round. However, Harutyunyan showed his mettle in the following rounds, mounting a strong comeback and outlanding Martin to claim both close rounds. The momentum shifted back and forth, with Martin's sharp jab proving to be a crucial factor in securing him the edge in the fourth round, especially considering he was fighting on foreign soil for the first time in Germany.
As the battle waged on, the fighters clashed heads in the fifth round, with Harutyunyan feeling the effects more prominently. Nevertheless, he showcased his resilience and continued to press forward, winning the round overall. The tide turned once again in the sixth round when Martin unleashed a relentless barrage of punches, landing a dozen unanswered blows that sent Harutyunyan reeling across the ring.
The pace remained relentless as the fighters entered the later rounds. In the seventh round, Harutyunyan showcased his work rate, outworking Martin and landing a powerful right uppercut to the mid-section in the final seconds. Martin, undeterred, rallied back in the eighth round, employing a left uppercut alongside an effective jab to regain control in another closely contested round. The ninth round saw Harutyunyan mounting a comeback, landing lead rights to Martin's chin with precision.
As the championship rounds approached, both fighters displayed incredible determination and skill. In the tenth round, another clash of heads occurred, momentarily interrupting the action. Martin capitalized on this opportunity, launching a relentless assault that included a barrage of punches to both the head and body, leaving Harutyunyan unable to respond for a significant portion of the round. The eleventh round witnessed Martin's continued dominance as he unleashed a powerful right hook, followed by a flurry of punches that nearly sent Harutyunyan to the canvas just as the bell rang.
With the twelfth and final round upon them, Martin unleashed a final surge of energy, forcing Harutyunyan to take a knee in the closing minutes. Referee Thomas Taylor administered an eight-count, assessing the damage inflicted. Harutyunyan's left eye, swollen and almost closed, bore the marks of a grueling battle. When the final scores were announced, they reflected the competitive nature of the fight, with two judges scoring it 114-113 and the other two judges scoring it 115-112, all in favor of Martin.
The night was a testament to the indomitable spirit of both fighters, as they left everything in the ring, captivating the audience with their skill, determination, and unwavering resolve. It was a night that will be etched in the annals of boxing history, an unforgettable clash of titans that showcased the true essence of the sport.
Finesse Boxing