World-ranked super-bantamweight Carl Jammes Martin could be the Philippines’ next big thing.
The 24-year-old from Lagawe, Ifugao, has been promised an extensive United States campaign in 2024 and eventually a crack at the world crown in 2025.
No less than American dealmaker Sean Gibbons of MP Promotions who assured Martin of his upcoming stint in America.
Ranked No. 4 by the International Boxing Federation and No. 8 by the World Boxing Organization in the star-studded 122-lb division, Martin insists the fights in the US should make him an even better fighter.
“I still have a lot to learn,” Martin told DAILY TRIBUNE from his Manila training camp, barely a week before he faces Thai veteran Chaiwat Buatkrathok on 18 December at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.
Martin said the four fights Gibbons has lined up is meant to propel him into a world title shot.
Boasting of a 22-0 win-loss record with 17 knockouts, the clash with Buatkrathok will only be his second fight this year.
But Martin feels he has to put on a solid showing as a prelude to his fast-approaching US invasion.
Actually, the southpaw Martin, 24, spent the vast majority of his preparation up north and only arrived in Manila a week ago.
He likewise trained alongside two-belt world champion Marlon Tapales in Baguio City as part of his buildup for the year-end encounter with the Thai slugger.
“I have seen him (on YouTube) and there’s just one thing that stood out. He is very durable,” Martin said.
Buatkrathok, also a lefty, enters the Grand Ballroom of the Elorde Sports Center carrying a 40-8 card with 26 knockouts.
Unlike Martin, who has only fought once this year, Buatkrathok, 31, will be fighting for the fourth time in 2023.
“Saw him against (Reymart) Gaballo,” Martin said without making any predictions.
Gaballo stopped Buatkrathok in the sixth round in 2019 but Martin is not taking him for granted but confident enough of sending the message that he has Buatkrathok all figured out.
If he does, Buatkrathok would rain on his parade.
And that is something that would mess up Gibbon’s blueprint.
In the meantime, Martin is focused on one thing: Clear a major roadblock on Monday on Sucat Road.
