At 21 years old, Ifugao boxer Carl Jammes Martin proved to be a force to be reckoned with in the bantamweight division.
Holding a perfect professional record of 15 wins, 14 coming from knockouts, the "Wonder Boy" is eager to make a legacy of his own in boxing.
Martin takes pride in representing Lagawe, Ifugao in the field of boxing, since the mountainous Cordillera region, north of the Philippines, is mostly known for other combat sports in wushu, muay thai, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts among others.
"Itong boxing po kasi, kinalakihan ko na po at nakasanayan ko na rin po," Martin said during MB Sports Chat hosted by Dennis Principe. "Passion at pangarap ko na rin kasi 'to."
The honor of Ifugao is pretty much evident when Martin makes an entrance into the ring. With fellow Ifugaos, dressed in traditional clothes while playing their instruments, as his entourage, Martin stressed the importance of every ceremonial appearance before facing his opponents.
"Maganda po para sa akin kasi kakaibang entrance po 'yun. Napakahalaga po nun sa akin dahil isa po ako sa Cordillera na nagre-represent sa kultura naming mga Ifugao at Igorot," said the 21-year-old Martin, who only debuted in professional boxing in 2016. "'Pag dating po sa entrance ko, namamangha po 'yung mga tao. Maganda rin po 'yung pagtingin nila sa amin at nakikilala rin po yung lugar dito sa Ifugao."
Martin captured the vacant Philippine Boxing Federation (PBF) bantamweight title after stopping compatriot Benezer Alolod in the seventh round in Mandaluyong in September last year.
Three months later, the young knockout artist retained the PBF belt by pounding another Filipino challenger in Philip Luis Cuerdo in the third round at the Manila Arena.
Despite his rise to boxing stardom with the unscathed record, as well as notable wins from foreign boxers for regional titles in WBA, WBO and WBC, Martin remained grounded and wanted more fights in the Philippines before accepting challenges and taking his talents overseas.
"Nararamdaman ko naman po 'yung pagtanggap sa akin ng mga supporters at ng mga nakakakilala po po sa akin... kulang pa po 'yung pinapakita kong performance sa taas ng ring dahil nagsisimula pa lang ako sa boxing," said the Southpaw boxing prodigy. "Pero sa katunayan kahit po ganun ay meron na po akong nakukuhang fans at nakikilala na po ako pakunti-kunti."
After a one-year break from boxing due to the coronavirus pandemic, Martin is preparing for a tentative fight scheduled on December 5 in the hopes of chalking up another win before the year ends.