Oscar De La Hoya Puts Forth Only Condition for Frank Martin to Get Shot on William Zepeda

Frank Martin, a name synonymous with ambition in the lightweight division, is eyeing a significant leap. His target? The formidable William Zepeda. Yet, in this world where fists speak louder than words, every move is calculated, and every challenge is laced with intrigue. But here’s something odd: it’s not just about the fighters in the ring.

Enter Oscar De La Hoya, a mastermind outside the ropes, dictating terms that could reshape careers. This isn’t just a fight; it’s a strategic gamble where careers and reputations hang in the balance. The ring awaits, but the real battle is being fought in the shadows of negotiation.

Oscar De La Hoya stops Frank Martin

Stepping into the spotlight, Frank Martin made his intentions clear with a definitive statement: “I really want William Zepeda. I’m a have a sit-down with my team. I’m a see if they can push for that for me and I can get that WBA belt.” His words echo with determination, painting a picture of a fighter not just aiming for a bout, but striving for a significant leap in his career.

However, in the complex dance of boxing negotiations, it’s not just about what a fighter wants. Oscar De La Hoya, a key player in this drama and Zepeda’s promoter, swiftly countered Martin’s ambitions. Taking to Twitter, De La Hoya set a clear, non-negotiable condition: “Fight Stevenson and then I’ll think about it.” This reply is not just a response; it’s a strategic move, shaping the course of Martin’s journey and setting the stage for what could be a career-defining challenge.

Why facing Stevenson is key for Martin?

Oscar De La Hoya’s urging for Frank Martin to face Shakur Stevenson as a prerequisite to fighting William Zepeda is deeply rooted in recent boxing history. Martin, who had previously been in talks for a high-stakes fight with Stevenson for the vacant WBC lightweight belt, ultimately backed out. The root cause? A disagreement over financial terms, specifically a 50-50 split in purse distribution.

Stevenson publicly disclosed this rift, stating, “Frank say if he not getting 50/50 with me, he ain’t fighting. He said 50/50 or nothing.”  Stevenson’s demand for a fair split reflects a broader trend in boxing where fighters assert their worth, impacting negotiations and bout formations.

De La Hoya’s insistence on Martin taking on Stevenson can be seen as a move to resolve unfinished business. It’s not just about proving Martin’s readiness for Zepeda; it’s about addressing a previous withdrawal that left a significant fight in limbo. By facing Stevenson, Martin wouldn’t just be fighting for a shot at Zepeda and the WBA belt; he would be confronting a past decision, potentially rectifying a missed opportunity and demonstrating his commitment to taking on top-tier opponents.

Also Read: “What Respect I Have for You”: Oscar De La Hoya Reacts to Shane Mosley Jr. Meeting Young Fans Ahead of Ryan Garcia Fight

Will Martin rise to the occasion and accept the challenge laid out by De La Hoya, or will he chart a different course in his pursuit of boxing glory? What do you think should be Martin’s next move in this intricate dance of boxing politics?

Watch this story: Oscar De La Hoya Names Boxer Interested In Fighting Shakur Stevenson