Derrick James, the coach of Frank “The Ghost” Martin, expressed intense disappointment following Martin’s defeat to Gervonta “Tank” Davis in their recent bout. The fight, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, ended with Davis knocking out Martin in the eighth round, successfully defending his WBA World Lightweight Title.

In a post-fight interview, James did not hold back his feelings. “I’m ashamed,” he stated bluntly. “We came in with a solid game plan, but we couldn’t execute it against a fighter of Davis’s caliber. Frank fought hard, but Gervonta was the better man tonight.”

James’s reaction reflects the high expectations he had for Martin, who entered the fight undefeated and seen as a serious contender. Despite the loss, James acknowledged Davis’s superior performance, citing his power and strategic prowess as key factors in the outcome.

The bout was intense, with both fighters showing moments of brilliance. However, Davis’s power punches and tactical advantage became evident as the fight progressed. The unofficial scorecard before the knockout read 68-65 in favor of Davis, underscoring his control over the match.

James’s candid admission of disappointment highlights the harsh realities of professional boxing, where even the best-laid plans can fall apart in the face of an exceptional opponent. Despite the setback, he remains committed to helping Martin recover and improve from this experience.