Junior welterweight Sandor Martin, ranked #1 by the WBC, has signed a co-promotional contract with Top Rank. Martin’s longtime promoter, OPI Since 82, and Top Rank will join forces to secure the Spaniard his first world title shot. Martinis in line for a shot at Devin “The Dream” Haney, the former world lightweight champion who is now the WBC junior welterweight title holder. Martin (42-3, 15 KOs) is a former European champion and a thirteen-year pro whose only defeats have come via narrow points verdicts. After spending the first decade of his career fighting primarily in Spain, the slick-moving southpaw authored a big upset in 2021 when he toppled former four-weight world champion Mikey Garcia by majority decision. Following a ten-round split decision defeat to present world junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez in December 2022, Martin notched a pair of knockout victories in 2023 to maintain his status as one of the world’s top 140-pound practitioners.  

 

“Devin Haney calls himself ‘The Dream,’ but I am his worst nightmare. I will be the next WBC junior welterweight world champion. Whether he wants to lose his title to me in the ring or run up the scales to welterweight, the choice is his,” Martin said. “I am excited for the next chapter of my career with OPI Since 82 and Top Rank in my corner.”

 

“We are glad to have the support of Top Rank for Sandor’s next fights. He already proved his worth with Mikey Garcia and Teofimo Lopez,” said Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82. 

 

“We’ve had a front-row seat to Sandor Martin’s immense talent, and Top Rank is thrilled to be partnering with OPI Since 82 to help Sandor receive his well-deserved world title opportunity,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.