Ifugao pride wants shot at PH crown

Ifugao rising star Carl Jammes Martin has expressed his interest in the Philippine superbantamweight crown. Fresh from a fifth round knockout win over veteran journeyman Joe Tejones last Feb. 20 in Biñan, Laguna, the 21-year-old Martin expressed his eagerness to test his mettle against the defending Philippine titleholder Mark Anthony Geraldo.

Should Geraldo agree to stake his crown against Martin, the Bukidnonnative champion will surely be the toughest test for the unbeaten Ifugao boxer dubbed “Wonder Boy.”

“May mga kritiko kasi na nagsasabi na mahihinang klase daw po ang mga nakakalaban ko. Hindi naman po ako agree sa mga pangliliit nila sa mga nakalaban ko pero ito na din siguro yung tamang panahon na makalaban ako ng isang lehitimong champion,” said Martin who has a 17-0 record, 15 via knockout.

Geraldo, 29, holds the sole distinction of beating world superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas back in 2012 in Cebu. In his 50-fight career, Geraldo also traded leathers with world champions Nourdine Oubaali of France (Lost, KO7), Takuma Inoue of Japan (Lost, UD12) and Puerto Rican McJoe Arroyo (Lost, UD12).

The southpaw Geraldo has a professional record of 38-9-3 win-lossdraw record, 19 via stoppage.

“Step by step po kami sa bawat laban. Bawat mali o kakulangan, itinama namin sa mga huling laban ko. Ngayon, nakita ng team ko pagtapos kay Tejones na ready na sa Philippine championship kaya ito na yung inaayos nila,” said Martin who is trained by his father Abel and managed by elder sister Je-iel.

Meantime, Martin should first seek an inclusion in the national ratings of the superbantamweight division by informing the Games and Amusements Board of his decision to move up in weight.