■ Harley F. Palangchao
Rising Filipino boxer Carl Jammes Martin will face one of the toughest boxers to come from Thailand in Chaiwat Buatkrathok at the Elorde Boxing Complex in Parañaque City on Dec. 18.
It is expected the fight will be an exciting one as both are southpaw boxers hold impressive resumes.
The 24-year-old Martin is currently holding high altitude training in Baguio City joining the camp of Filipino world champion Marlon Tapales at the Shape Up Boxing Gym at the Cooyeesan Plaza Hotel.
Martin remains undefeated in 22 professional bouts and has won via knockout or technical KO in his 17 fights. He is the current International Boxing Federation International super bantamweight champion.
The 31-year-old Thai boxer, on the other hand, has 40 wins with 26 by way of KO/TKO against eight losses. He has won the World Boxing Council Asian Continental featherweight belt against Nort Beauchamp in July 2022.
He also fought for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation silver featherweight belt but he suffered defeat against Filipino boxer Milan Melindo in January this year.
Earlier, the camp of Martin announced the approval of his visa for the United States, a good start in line with his dream to fight in the international arena.
Last August, Martin earned a unanimous decision victory against Oscar Duge of Tanzania at the Elorde Ballroom in Parañaque.
Martin admitted that Duge was his toughest opponent yet as the Tanzanian boxer landed some solid blows during their 10-round non-title bout.
But Martin, who holds the International Boxing Federation International super bantamweight belt, has dictated the tempo throughout the contest.
Duge managed to finish the bout and landed some overhand right while Martin punished him with body punches.
But the three scoring judges scored the bout 99-91,99-91, and 98-92 in favor of the Filipino prospect.
