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 that he’s unfazed with Geraldo’s experience, having been in 50 fights (38-9-3 with 19 knockouts).
“I’m confident and I prepared for a long time for this fight. I’m ready,” said Martin, adding that he’s just two pounds above the weight limit of 122 pounds.
Martin said he has sparred with reigning International Boxing Federation super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas and newly-crowned World Boxing Organization intercontinental bantamweight titlist Jonas Sultan in preparation for his experienced foe.
“I thank both champions, Jerwin and Jonas, and also Charly Suarez,” Martin said.
Suarez, a three-time Southeast Asian Games champion and veteran of the Rio 2016 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 eyeing a regional title and ultimately a crack at a world crown in 2022.
“They say, when you’re 30, there’s no other way but down. But for me, I’m just starting,”Suarez told the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Milo, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
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.