In the aftermath of a crushing defeat to Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Frank Martin has made a dramatic decision to part ways with his long-time trainer, Derrick James. The announcement came shortly after Martin’s knockout loss in the eighth round of their fight, which took place on June 15, 2024, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Frank Martin, who had been under the guidance of Derrick James for several years, did not mince words when explaining his decision. “This was a complete disgrace,” Martin said. “We had a game plan that completely fell apart. I need someone who can prepare me better for these high-stakes fights.”

The bout saw Martin struggling to handle Davis’s power and precision, ultimately leading to his defeat. Despite coming into the fight with an unbeaten record, Martin could not match Davis’s performance, which was reflected in the unofficial scorecards reading 68-65 in favor of Davis before the knockout.

James, who has a reputation for training top-tier fighters, expressed disappointment but wished Martin well in his future endeavors. “It’s always tough when a partnership ends like this,” James said. “I respect Frank’s decision and hope he finds the success he’s looking for.”

The decision to fire James has sent ripples through the boxing community, with many speculating on who will take over as Martin’s new trainer. The loss and subsequent fallout highlight the intense pressures and high stakes involved in professional boxing.