That inactivity left him 1-1-1 across his last three appearances, including a knockout loss to Gervonta Davis and a draw with Nahir Albright. Those results removed much of the fear that once surrounded him, but Martin views his reduced standing as useful bait.
“There’s going to be some fighters who feel that they may take a chance to fight me just off the last performances or whatever and think it’s sweet or it’s an easy fight. They’re just going to put me in the seat that I want to be in. I would like to fight Lindolfo Delgado. I like that fight right there,” Martin said during Wednesday’s DAZN-streamed press conference.
The strategy works only if Martin’s decline has been exaggerated. He remained competitive with Davis through six rounds before one of boxing’s best finishers caught him in the eighth. That loss alone did not prove Martin was finished, but the Albright draw made it harder to dismiss his recent difficulties.
Buddy McGirt has been brought in to correct some of the habits behind those performances. Martin backed himself into a corner against Davis and surrendered the space needed to escape the finishing combination. Albright also troubled him when Martin allowed himself to be pushed toward the ropes.
McGirt traditionally emphasizes a firm jab, defensive responsibility, and movement away from dangerous positions. The first test of their partnership will be seeing if Martin holds the center instead of depending on last-second reactions near the ropes.
Moving to 140 pounds adds another uncertainty. Martin’s speed and counterpunching should travel with him, but his power was never overwhelming at lightweight. Larger fighters may become more aggressive if his punches do not earn their respect. More frequent appearances may sharpen his timing, although they will also show quickly how his offense works against naturally bigger opposition.
Flores would provide a useful comparison if he receives the October fight. He pushed Delgado to a split decision in 2024, giving Martin an opportunity to measure himself against the opponent he wants. Struggling with Flores would weaken Martin’s case for facing Delgado, while a decisive performance would strengthen it.
Delgado remains the more difficult technical test. He is patient, disciplined, and rarely gives away clean countering opportunities. Martin would need sustained activity to win rounds rather than waiting for isolated openings.
The former lightweight contender wanted fighters to stop avoiding him. He may get his wish, but another poor showing risks turning him from a contender into a stepping stone.
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