Late left hook rocks Martin as judges score 95-95 across the board
Frank Martin survived a late knockdown scare and fought to a unanimous draw with Nahir Albright in their 142-pound catchweight bout. All three judges scored it 95-95 after a tenth round that nearly changed the fight.
Martin (19-1-1, 13 KOs) found rhythm early behind the jab and compact combinations at mid-range. He set his base, turned his hips over on short hooks, and edged the first half with cleaner two- and three-punch sequences. Albright (17-2-1, 7 KOs) answered with straight right hands, timing Martin when he stepped in without exiting at an angle.
The early rounds were tactical. Both men worked behind the jab and looked to establish range control. By the fifth and sixth, Martin began landing the heavier shots, pressing forward and finishing exchanges with sharper work.
Albright adjusted by taking the front foot and letting the straight right hand go with more authority. He forced Martin back in spots and caught him lingering after combinations. When Martin stayed in the pocket too long, Albright found him.
Martin regained momentum in the ninth, pushing the pace and working effectively at mid-range. He rebuilt his stance after exchanges and kept the jab active, edging the round on workrate and positioning.
The tenth changed everything. With the fight tight, Albright landed a left hook that left Martin on shaky legs. Martin clinched and drove Albright into the ropes to buy seconds. Albright pressed forward and landed again with Martin near the ropes, but twice lost his mouthpiece, prompting referee Robert Hoyle to halt the action.
“He put up a good fight,” Martin said. “He’s a tough opponent. I take my hat off to him. If we can go at it again, I want to go at it again.”
Albright believed the interruptions cost him.
“If my mouthpiece didn’t keep falling out, y’all know what would have happened,” Albright said. “It was a great fight, and I think we should run it back.”
Judges Tim Cheatham, Max DeLuca and John McCarthy each turned in 95-95 cards.
Tactically, Martin did his best work when he started with the jab and punched in tight combinations. He can be clipped when he remains in range after finishing. Albright’s straight right was the cleanest single shot of the fight, and his late pressure showed he can close hard.
The draw stalls Martin’s push toward title contention at junior welterweight and keeps Albright in the mix. At 142 pounds, this matchup feels unfinished.