Ifugao boxing pride Carl Jammes Martin will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) Asian super bantamweight belt against Charles Tondo of Tanzania in Manila on July 30.
The undefeated Martin, 23, is confident he will successfully defend his belt against the Tanzanian challenger who previously fought for the World Boxing Organization youth super bantamweight but was defeated by Dennis McCann of Australia.
Considered as one of the most interesting prospects in Asia, Martin is expected to once again display his knockout power in his bid to make his presence felt in the global stage.
But Tondo, also 23, wants to make a statement, as he will bring his ring experience in Manila after he fought in England a couple of times, which means he is a veteran to be on the road.
The southpaw Tondo has 12 wins, five losses, and two draws and has not been knocked out in his entire boxing career.
Martin, on the other hand, has not fought outside of the country but is known for his knockout power having stopped 16 out of the 19 boxers he fought since 2016.
Last March, Martin won the WBA Asia super bantamweight belt with an 11th-round technical KO of fellow Filipino compatriot Ronnie Baldonado.
Martin made a strong comeback to stop Baldonado after he was knocked down in round two to also retain his Philippine super bantamweight belt.
Martin joined four-division world champion Nonito Donaire, world champion Donnie Nietes, and fellow unbeaten prospect Jade Bornea with Probellum, one of the world’s leading boxing promotions. – Harley F. Palangchao
