Filipino boxing rising star Carl Jammes Martin remained undefeated after a knockout win over Bukidnon's Joe Tejones in their super bantamweight clash in Biñan City in Laguna Saturday, Feb. 20.
Two days later, Ifugao's "Wonder Boy" extended his gratitude to Tejones for the lessons and opportunity, a convincing win Martin needed to secure his unscathed status anew and improve his record with 17 wins on top of 15 knockouts.
"Isang malaking karangalan po para sa akin ang at ng suntok sa'yo (It's a great honor to brawl and exchange punches with you)," wrote the 21-year-old Martin on his Facebook page Tuesday, Feb. 22, adding that he really came prepared for their match.
"Inuulit ko po, malaki ang respeto namin sa mga gaya mo dahil sa katangiang at tapang ang ginagamit pag dating sa labanan sa taas ng ring at kahit saang sports (I repeat, I have huge respect for Filipino boxers for the heart and courage you show in the boxing ring and for other sports as well)."
Martin, gaining a huge advantage and offensive momentum, landed a right hook to Tejones' body as the latter struggled in pain down the canvas.
After the vicious blow at the 1:11 mark of the fifth round, the Ifugao youngster showed sportsmanship and concern after immediately checking on Tejones' status.
The 24-year-old Tejones, for his part, suffered two straight defeats since September 2019 -- the same fifth round fate in the hands of Japanese foe Tsuyoshi Tameda -- and slid down to 13-8 record.
The Martin-Tejonas match served as a supporting bout for WBA minimumweight title fight between former world champion Vic Saludar and unbeaten Robert Paradero. Saludar scored a split decision victory over Paradero for the vacant belt.