Following a prolonged absence, Six Nations boxer Jake Martin is once again intensely working out at the Brantford Black Eye Boxing gym.
Starting in Grade 9, Martin came into the gym and began boxing, and right away that hunger grew as he became addicted to the sport.
“I went mainly for the workout and to gain strength and conditioning for other sports,” Martin said. “I just fell in love with it, and wanted to push myself and pursuit it.”
Trained by Jackie Armour, this determined fighter made his debut on September 21st. 2012, where he lost a tough split decision against Mike Cabato before getting on a roll and winning his next six bouts. Riding the momentum, Martin also earned a silver in February 2015 at the Brampton Cup Tournament.
“I was really excited because I proved myself against legitimate competitors,” Martin said about winning silver. “This is something that can really propel you forward.”
Reflecting on his past fights, Martin believes that losing his debut might have actually been almost a blessing in disguise.
“I’m really happy that I lost that first fight because that really motivated me,” Martin said.
“I started coming here (gym) more frequently and took things more seriously.”
Meanwhile Armour believed that Martin had a chance to come out of that first fight with the win. “I thought we were in it,” Armour said. “It was close. I think Jake was fighting a little too much on his back foot.”
Following that first fight, Armour and Martin had a specific game plan in how to prepare for future bouts and it proved to be an effective strategy.
“I remember we worked in the pocket a lot. Working in the pocket, weaving and finding the opening,” Martin said.
The result, was a six- fight win streak. “I think a strength is my footwork and support system. I have great support from my family and great support from the club,” Martin said.
During his career, Martin started off fighting at 125 pounds and eventually made his way up to 154- pound division.
On September 15th, 2017, Martin’s boxing career was interrupted as he was posted at CFB for three years in Petawawa. He hasn’t fought in almost three years, but he is hungry to get back into the ring.
“Right now, I plan on getting into better shape and work on my weaknesses,” Martin said. “I want to build up to another amateur fight. I’m excited to get back in there and focus on boxing.”
