NEW YORK – The bright lights of fighting on a major card easily could distract any boxer.
Not Ryan Martin.
Fighting at the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” Martin was dialed in, displaying skills that soon could land him a lightweight ranking in the top 10.
The Chattanooga native and 2011 Central High School graduate systematically broke down Bryant Cruz, stopping him in round eight at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
Martin, who successfully defended his WBC Continental Americas title, improved to 17-0 with 11 knockouts. Cruz, from nearby Port Chester, N.Y., fell to 17-2.