Frank Martin Fires Warning to Rances Barthelemy: “I’m Dangerous”
Frank “The Ghost” Martin will make his return to the ring in a ten-round super lightweight test against former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy on Saturday, December 6.
The bout headlines a free PBC on Prime Video triple-header live from the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Martin, 18-1 (12 KOs), moves up in weight looking to erase the memory of his only defeat and remind fans why he’s still one of the most dangerous technicians in American boxing. The 30-year-old southpaw has already proven his class, with standout wins over Michel Rivera and Artem Harutyunyan, but says this new chapter comes with fresh fire.
“I’m back mentally and physically at the top of my game,” Martin told PBC. “People tried to bash me for taking one loss, but I took it as a lesson learned. Rances is going to feel every bit of that experience. I’m p—ed off and dangerous.”
His opponent, the vastly experienced Barthelemy (30-3-1, 15 KOs), is a former 130- and 135-pound champion who has mixed with the best. The Cuban veteran has wins over Argenis Mendez, Mickey Bey, and Antonio DeMarco, and believes his know-how will be key.
“December 6 is the night I remind everyone who Rances Barthelemy is,” he said. “I’ve been in deep waters before, and that experience counts when the lights are brightest. I’m not here to survive. I’m here to dominate.”
Isaac Lucero and Roberto Valenzuela Jr. Collide in All-Mexican War
The co-feature promises fireworks as undefeated knockout artist Isaac “La Bestia” Lucero (17-0, 13 KOs) clashes with heavy-handed Roberto Valenzuela Jr. (31-5, 29 KOs) in a ten-round super welterweight contest.
Lucero, 26, has been wrecking opponents since turning pro in 2019 and is now training out of Las Vegas under respected coach Bob Santos. He’s stopped his last six opponents and plans to make another statement.
“Valenzuela is tough, but this is my time,” said Lucero. “I’m going to show why I’m one of Mexico’s next big stars.”
Valenzuela, meanwhile, is on a five-fight KO streak and enters with bad intentions. Known for his aggressive style and willingness to trade, the Sonora slugger believes he can shock the unbeaten favorite.
“We’re going to give fans a fight they’ll never forget,” promised Valenzuela. “With our styles, someone’s getting stopped.”
Luis Nunez vs. Hector Sosa Opens the Action
Dominican prospect Luis “The Twist” Nunez (21-0, 14 KOs) continues his climb at 130 pounds when he meets rugged Argentine Hector Sosa (18-3, 9 KOs) in the opener.
Nunez, trained by Bob Santos, is undefeated and full of confidence heading into his 22nd fight. The 25-year-old already has a reputation for dismantling unbeaten opponents and plans to do the same again.
“This is another step toward a world title,” said Nunez. “I’ve been working hard, and the fans are going to see something special.”
Sosa, who famously knocked out James Dickens in the UK last year, relishes the role of underdog.
“I love being the guy they underestimate,” he said. “I’ll be ready to bring the upset. Argentina’s coming to fight.”
The event streams live and free on Prime Video beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT, leading into the stacked pay-per-view headlined by Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz vs. Lamont Roach for the interim WBC super lightweight title.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
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