Is Martin next Manny?
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 04 Jun 2025
WBO No. 2 superbantamweight Carl Jammes Martin passed the stiffest test so far in his boxing career as he decked Mexican veteran Francisco Pedroza with a counter right hook in the sixth frame enroute to a win by a unanimous eight-round decision in his US debut at the Michelob Ultra Arena, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, last Saturday. Known as the Ifugao Wonder Boy, Martin is close to a world title and when Naoya Inoue relinquishes the WBO belt to move up in weight, he’ll be tapped to dispute the vacant throne with No. 1 contender Sam Goodman of Australia.
“Carl is good enough to fight for a world title,” said MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons who watched the match at ringside with Manny Pacquiao, Mark Magsayo, Jerwin Ancajas, Eumir Marcial and Jonas Sultan. “Pedroza’s a rough, tough, game Mexican who’s fought some of the world’s best. Maybe, one more fight before a world title shot but if not, he'll go straight to it whatever opportunity opens up.”
Martin, who is trained by his father Abel and brother Japeth at Gibbons’ Knuckleheads Gym in Las Vegas, said he learned a lot of lessons from Pedroza. “Excited ako sa experience at first fight ko sa America,” he said. “Hindi basta-basta mga kalaban sa international at hindi lahat panalo by KO. Marami pa akong ‘di nalalabas sa ring.”
Pacquiao spoke to Martin after the win. “Nagbigay siya ng advice at inspiration,” he said. “Mahalaga sa akin at dadalhin ko lahat sa laban.” Martin said it’s an honor to fight for the country, the Cordillera region and his church Iglesia Ni Cristo.
Martin clearly outclassed Pedroza who has beaten former WBA bantamweight champion Rau’shee Warren and battled former WBO bantamweight titlist Jason Moloney. Judges Tom Cunningham and Cory Santos scored it 78-73 and judge Don Trella, 79-72. The win raised Martin’s record to 26-0, with 20 KOs. “Carl could possibly be the next Manny Pacquiao,” said Gibbons. “Against Pedroza, he displayed footwork and handspeed reminiscent of Manny. It was his coming-out party on the big stage where Manny, de la Hoya and Trinidad fought. Carl is on the right track.”
Photo: Carl Jammes Martin moves in on Francisco Pedroza during their bout in Las Vegas last Saturday (photo by Jhay Otamias).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
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