Fast-rising contender Carl Jammes Martin and seasoned fighter Charly Suarez will headline the “Ultimate Knockout Challenge” boxing card on Saturday at the renowned Elorde Sports Complex in Paranaque City.
The 22-year-old Martin, undefeated in 17 pro fights with 15 knockouts, will challenge Philippine super-bantamweight champion Mark Anthony Geraldo in a title fight that comes amid the pandemic.
Martin, the pride of Lagawe, Ifugao, told Tuesday’s online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum he’s unfazed by Geraldo’s experience, having been in 50 fights (38-9-3 with 19 knockouts).
“Confident naman ako dahil matagal ko pinag-handaan ang laban na ito. Ready na po ako. Laban na lang ang hinihintay,” said Martin, adding that he’s just a couple of pounds above the weight limit of 122 pounds.
Martin said he has sparred with reigning IBF super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas and newly-crowned WBO Intercontinental bantamweight champion Jonas Sultan as he prepared for his experienced foe.
“Kaya malaki ang pasalamat ko sa kanila. Pati si Charly Suarez tumulong sa akin,” added Martin.
Suarez, the three-time SEA Games champion and veteran of the 2016 Rio Olympics, will try to preserve his unbeaten record as a pro when he takes on Delmar Pellio in a 10-round super-featherweight clash.
The 33-year-old Suarez is bent to keep his winning ways as a pro in the hope of vying for a regional title, and ultimately a crack at a world title in 2022.
“Sabi nila pag umabot ka na sa 30 years old start na nang pag-baba mo. Pero ang mindset ko is that nag-sisimula pa lang ako,” he told the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, Daily Tribune and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
“Patuloy ang pangarap ko at pag-aaral as a boxer. I will do my best manalo para dagdag sa record ko,” said Suarez.
Like Suarez, the Aklan-born Pellio is undefeated in the pro ranks, carrying a 9-0 record with four knockouts. He turned pro in 2017 and will definitely feel at home, having fought all his nine fights at the Elorde Sports Complex.
“Simula nu'ng pandemic, hindi naman ako huminto sa training. Kaya maintained ang weight ko. Napag-aralan ko na din si Pellio. Bata siya and undefeated din. Hangad din niya na talunin ako kaya magandang laban ito,” he said.
