Rising Star Zeke Martinez Prepares for “Rumble at the Ritz 2” in Sanford

SANFORD, FL — When Ezekiel “Zeke” Martinez steps into the ring at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center on August 23, it will be more than just another fight — it will be the next chapter in a journey that began when he was just eight years old.

Born in Detroit and raised in Central Florida, Martinez’s introduction to boxing was as grassroots as it gets. Inspired by his father’s love for the sport and the boxing tradition in his family, his first training gear came from Walmart. “We started off hitting mitts in the yard,” he recalls. By the time he joined a gym, Martinez was already hooked, competing in tournaments and soaking up lessons from coaches and peers alike.

Today, the 2–0 professional (with one knockout) balances a full-time job with a rigorous training schedule. His days begin before sunrise, and after clocking out of work mid-afternoon, it’s straight to the gym — whether for sparring, conditioning, or technical drills. “It’s a lifestyle,” Martinez says. “You have to be attracted to the competition, the environment, everything.”

That commitment will be on full display at Rumble at the Ritz 2, the latest professional boxing showcase from Mike Sawyer Promotions. The event promises a night of “relentless action, raw power, and rising talent,” with over ten evenly matched bouts featuring local prospects and seasoned fighters. Sawyer, a veteran promoter and owner of UFC Gym Winter Springs, brought professional boxing back to Sanford in 2024 for the first time in decades, and the series has quickly gained traction among fight fans (Mike Sawyer Promotions, BoxRec).

Martinez credits his support system — from his parents to his coach and local sponsors — for helping him navigate the demanding world of professional boxing. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here,” he says. “It’s an individual sport in the ring, but it takes a team to get you there.”

In the run-up to fight night, Martinez focuses on mental preparation as much as physical. He limits distractions, leans on music to sharpen his focus, and embraces the pressure that comes with competing. “When that bell rings, it’s just another man in my weight class,” he says. “I’m ready.”

The August 23 card will take place at the historic Ritz Theater in downtown Sanford, also known as the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $50 to $150 and are available through SimpleTix. For Martinez, it’s a chance to continue building momentum — and to represent the community that’s supported him from the start.

“I’ve been doing this since I was eight years old,” he says. “Every fight is a step toward where I want to be. And I’m just getting started.”

Event Details:Rumble at the Ritz 2August 23, 2025 — 6:30 PMWayne Densch Performing Arts Center, Sanford, FLTickets: $50–$150 on SimpleTix

Sources:

• Interview with Ezekiel “Zeke” Martinez, Rumble at the Ritz transcript (2025).

• Mike Sawyer Promotions – Official Website (Accessed Aug. 12, 2025).

• BoxRec – Mike Sawyer Promotions (Accessed Aug. 12, 2025).

• SimpleTix – Rumble at the Ritz 2 (Accessed Aug. 12, 2025).

• RitzTheaterSanford.com – Event Listing (Accessed Aug. 12, 2025).