Undefeated Cordilleran boxer Carl Jammes Martin is aiming to become a two-division champion by targeting the Philippine Boxing Federation super bantamweight belt.
Fresh from his impressive fifth-round knockout victory against the veteran Joe Tejones last month, Martin is back in training at the Ifugao Boxing Stable hoping he will get good news soon.
The 21-year-old Martin, who has fought and stopped more veteran Filipino and foreign fighters, wants to challenge reigning PBF super bantamweight champion Mark Anthony Geraldo of Bukidnon.
The idea of fighting a bigger and heavier opponent came after Martin said some critics claimed his previous opponents were not at the peak of their careers.
Martin defended his previous opponents from critics, saying they also deserve respect from boxing fans, as they earned credentials to fight a reigning champion like him.
The 29-year-old Geraldo has not responded to the call of Martin, who improved his record to 17 wins.
If Gerardo agrees to a super bout, he would be the toughest test for the unbeaten boxer from Lagawe, Ifugao.
A southpaw like Martin, Geraldo is one of the toughest Filipino boxers today with an impressive professional record of 38 wins with 19 by way of stoppage, nine losses, and three draws.
Geraldo was once the World Boxing Organization-Asia Pacific Youth super flyweight champion. He also captured the vacant WBO Oriental bantamweight title against Kenny Demecillo in March 2017.
He also fought twice for two Asia Pacific titles but suffered defeat in both fights.
The last time he saw action inside the ring was in September 2019 when he defended his PBF belt against Lorence Rosas, whom he defeated via technical knockout.
Martin might first seek an inclusion in the national ratings of the super bantamweight division by informing the Games and Amusements Board of his decision to move up in the weight class. – Harley F. Palangchao
March 31, 2023
