Boxing prospect Martin airs concern over lack of timetable for next fight

From left: Trainers Abel Martin and Juan Carlos Lantin, boxer Carl Jammes Martin, and MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons after the fighter scored an impressive win during the “Thrilla in Manila 2” card last October.

Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — Two months out of the ring, uncertainty looms over Carl Jammes Martin, putting the momentum of one of the country’s most promising young boxers at a seeming risk.

Martin, known as Ifugao’s “Wonder Boy”, has been without a promotional contract since his deal with MP Promotions—formerly linked to the now-defunct Probellum Promotions—expired back in November. The 26-year-old junior featherweight is technically a free agent, but he’s made it clear he’s not looking beyond the Pacquiao-backed camp.

“I have so much respect for MP Promotions, specifically Senator Manny Pacquiao and especially MP president Sean Gibbons,” Martin said. “I just felt like two months passed by without gaining anything.”

The unbeaten Martin (27-0, 20 knockouts) credited Gibbons for guiding his rise in the sport and for his hands-on approach with Filipino fighters. Still, he acknowledged frustration with the absence of a clear timetable for his next fight, particularly given his standing as a top-rated contender in the World Boxing Organization’s 122-pound division.

“At this stage, I should already be preparing for a specific schedule, a specific fight,” Martin said.

Concerned that prolonged inactivity could slow his progress, Martin has begun outlining alternative plans as he positions himself for a future world title opportunity. Among those is a possible upgrade of his training team, pairing his father and longtime trainer, Abel Martin, with veteran coach Marvin Somodio.

“I’ve already spoken with Coach Marvin, and he seems ready to join my team,” Martin said. “If that happens, we’ll likely need two meaningful, strategic fights before aiming for a world championship.”

Martin last fought in October at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where he recovered from a third-round knockdown to defeat Thailand’s Aran Dipaen by unanimous decision on the “Thrilla in Manila 2” card. He said a step-up bout early next year would have been ideal, preferably finalized by now.

Despite the uncertainty, Martin remains optimistic that discussions with Gibbons will soon yield both a renewed promotional agreement and a firm plan—one that would allow him to continue his ascent toward a world title without losing valuable time in the prime of his career. (Contributed story)