Ifugao’s Martin impressive in Manila debut

IFUGAO boxing sensation Carl Jammes Martin announced to the world he is ready for bigger fights.

In his first fight outside Northern Luzon, Martin knocked out Petchchorhae Kokietgym in the fourth round to remain undefeated in 12 fights with 11 knockouts in the undercard of the event headlined by undefeated Dave Penalosa who also scored a technical knockout win against Mexican Marcos Cardenas to capture the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental featherweight title on Saturday at the SM City North EDSA Skydome in Quezon City.

The 19 year – old Ifugao wonder boy systematically picked apart his opponent in the early rounds scoring knock down in the first round and another in the third round as the Thai fighter failed to answer the bell in the fourth round to extend his undefeated start to 12-0 with 11 knockouts.

Kokietgym meanwhile dropped to 17-3, with eight knockouts.

Meanwhile, Penalosa tallied his 15th win with 11 knockouts while Cardenas suffered his 7th loss in 26 fights.

The 27-year-old Penalosa of Cebu landed body shots after decking Cardenas twice en route to a stoppage victory at 2:47 in the fourth round.

“Nagbunga din lahat ng pagod ko," said Penalosa, who is also ready for a world title shot.

Meanwhile, John Riel Casimero brutally punished Japanese Kenya Yamashita for a sixth-round knockout victory.

Casimero improved his ring record to 26-4 win while Yamashita absorbed his fifth defeat in 18 fights.

Carlo Penaloa, on the other hand, finished Watana Phenbaan in the third round for his 14th win against one defeat.

The fight was promoted by Gerry Penalosa of the Gerrypens Promotions.