Boxing Rumors: Frank Martin Follows Errol Spence Jr’s Lead To Fire Trainer Derrick James After KO Loss To Gervonta Davis

“The Ghost’s first attempt at a world title unfortunately collapsed at the altar of “Tank. Despite his valiant attempts, Frank Martinlike the 29 boxers before him, had no answer to Gervonta Daviss relentless barrage. The Baltimorean continues as the WBA lightweight champion. But things, if any of the rumors are to be trusted, don’t seem to be right for the Philadelphian.

In a tweet, New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) inductee and veteran matchmaker Rick Glasser has shared an update. According to reports, there have been talks about Frank Martin and longtime coach Derrick James have decided to separate. That’s not all; the notice contains additional information about how, if at all true, Martin arrived at the decision. The whole development after Martin’s first defeat seems to have puzzled him.

Separation Speculation: Frank Martin and Derrick James

Rick Glaser wrote, “Rumors abound about that coach #DerrickJames has been fired #FrankMartin.” But the bomb was not far away. The message further suggested that Errol Spence Jr. may have played a key role in influencing Frank Martin’s decision. “Aand Frank is prompted by #ErrolSpencewho also previously fired Derrick James,” It said.

The New York-based boxing matchmaker expressed shock and wondered if “The Ghost” would really follow Spence Jr’s lead in breaking up with Derrick James. Rich Glaser recalled the lawsuit the award-winning trainer filed against the former unified welterweight champion, and wondered if the former’s relationship with Frank Martin would also meet a similar fate.

The tweet has gained a lot of traction since it appeared. One shocked user considered, “Wow! Now I hope Frank doesn’t blame DJ for his loss; through his own admissions interviews, he said he didn’t do what his coaches told him to do. If this rumor is true, Frank needs to learn not to be a pawn in another man’s game! Just wow.“

Last year, Errol Spence Jr. met Terence Crawford for the undisputed welterweight title. Like Frank Martin, a year later, the New York-born undefeated southpawn also faces a reversal of fortune. In ‘Bud’ Crawford he finally met his nemesis. In many ways, the ensuing loss proved disastrous for Spence Jr. Although he invoked the rematch clause, the former world champion has yet to return to the ring.

Bitter ends

But the months that followed saw his relationship with Derrick James reportedly deteriorate. It got to the point where the 2022 Coach of the Year winner filed a lawsuit against Spence Jr. with claims for unpaid fees, which, according to some reports, amounted to $5 million. In addition to Errol Spence Jr. and Frank Martin, Ryan Garcia, Jermell Charloand Anthony Joshua are some of the prominent names who have been or are coached by Derrick James.

As Rick Glaser emphasized, as of now, the news reports should be treated as rumors only. Their truth remains unconfirmed. But boxers and trainers going their separate ways is nothing new. After all, just last year, Ryan Garcia left Joe Goossen to eventually join Derrick James’ stable. It is not clear if the latter still serves as Anthony Joshua’s main trainer. However, from Rob McCracken to Robert Garcia and then Derrick James to Ben Davisonthe former heavyweight himself has been through quite a few stables.

Defeat is hard to accept. As is often the case, the consequences of a loss tend to be widespread. From the boxer’s heart it permeates the relationships he shares with everyone. Sometimes the boxer may have a genuine concern. If he observes some limitations in a coach’s coaching, which may have led to a loss, he has a legitimate case to watch out for a new coach. But if his decision is based solely on a loss or on a whim, it’s not something that will make sense in the long run.

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