Frank Martin is at the top of the Prelim Card and is fighting against the former world champion with two divisions that Barthelemy will get at the Sebastian Fundora against Keith Thurman PPV event on October 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Martin’s Comeback Route
Martin (18-1, 12 COs) did not make it on the main card on PBC on Prime Video PPV. Perhaps a big reason is that on June 15, 2024, he is coming from an eighth round loss to WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, and he chose to sit outside the ring for 16 months.
‘The Ghost’ Martin has reportedly earned $ 1.5 million for the tank Davis fight. With that nice payday, it is understandable why he was not in a hurry to return to the ring.
Barthelemy’s veteran edge
Martin, 30, moves in weight to tackle 39-year-old Barthelemy (30-3-1, 15 COs). On paper, Martin must have a good chance of winning based on his youth. However, he has never won a world title before, and he does not have the same experience as the Cuban Rans.
The lack of activity for Martin over the past two years could be a problem for him. Before fighting against Gervonta last June, Frank has not fought in 11 months since his 12-round victory over Artem Harutyunyan on July 15, 2023.
Martin had a difficult time in the fight and had to rally in the championships to achieve a decision of the scores 115-112, 115-112 and 114-113. The fight showed Martin’s level or the lack thereof. He is a decent fighter, but not an elite level. For this reason, your Barthelemy should give a good chance to win. He found the pedigree of his world titles with two divisions and as an amateur in the national team of Cuba.
Rances promise a reminder
“October 25 is the night I remind all what Barthelemy is,” says Rances Barthelemy. “Frank Martin is a talented fighter, but I’ve been in deep waters before, and experience counts when the lights are the brightest.”
Barthelemy lost two of his last three fights against Gary Antuanne Russell and Jose Ramirez. These are fighters that Martin would probably lose if he fought them at 140.
“I’m excited to be back after people tried to base me because they took one loss,” Martin said. “I learned it as a lesson and I am spiritually and physically back at the top of my game. Rances will deal with everything I have been through, and he will feel it on every punch. I’m back and I’m pissing and dangerous. ‘
Last updated on 10/07/2025
