The world of boxing is no stranger to successful father-son duos, with the likes of Rafa and Sandor Martín being the latest example. They join a long list of notable pairs, including Antaloy and Vasyl Lomachenko, Nigel and Conor Benn, Teófimo López Senior and Júnior, and Bill and Devin Haney. In Spain, the Martín name has become synonymous with excellence in pugilism, and their success story is one that’s worth telling.
Rafa Martín, the patriarch of the Martín family, has been instrumental in shaping the careers of several world champions in various combat sports. His son, Sandor, is on the cusp of becoming a world champion in boxing, and he’s quick to acknowledge the role his father has played in his journey. “It’s not a coincidence,” Sandor says. “It’s the work of my father, who has had numerous successes in the sports world. If I become world champion, he’ll be the only Spanish coach to have had a champion in each combat sport discipline.”
As Sandor prepares to face Alberto Puello for the world title in New York, he reflects on his journey and the values his father has instilled in him. “Boxing has always been part of me,” he says. “I don’t have a memory of when I started. It’s always been my life.” Rafa, on the other hand, attributes his success to his ability to separate his roles as a father and a coach. “Sandor’s father will be a lifetime, but since he left that role, I’ve taken on more of a grandfatherly role to my granddaughter. Now, I’m more coach than father, and we’ve both been clear about when to be which.”
The key to their success, according to Rafa, is discipline and a strong work ethic. “You can’t expect to win the lottery on the day of the big fight,” he says. “You have to educate the athlete day by day, instilling training and maintenance habits from the beginning.” At the Ko Verdún gym, where Rafa trains his boxers, including Sandor and European Champion Christopher Lorente, there’s a strict rule: all boxers must finish their studies. “I don’t want anyone who doesn’t study,” Rafa says. “If they’re not able to strive in school, they’re not able to strive in boxing.”
When it comes to Sandor’s strengths, Rafa points to his son’s tactical and strategic abilities. “He knows when and how to do things during combat,” he says. “He reads fights wonderfully and will wait to see what Puello brings to proceed.” As for Puello, Rafa gives him due credit: “He’s a disciplined guy who always presents himself in great shape, is very alive and ready in the ring, and knows how to handle his front hand well.”
The stage is set for a thrilling fight between a stylist and a strategist, and Rafa is eager to enjoy the experience. Having traveled the world for various boxing and combat sports events, he’s learned to appreciate the little things. “I’ll enjoy this week because I focus on the positive,” he says. “It’s like the military – when you’re in it, you might complain, but later, you’re left with good memories.” As the Martín family prepares for their big moment, one thing is clear: their success is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a strong family bond.