Promoter Maria Laurita “Cucuy” Elorde is flanked by defending PH superbantamweight champion Mark Anthony Geraldo (right) and challenger Carl Jammes Martin (left) during the official weigh-in Friday at Elorde Ballroom in Sucat, Parañaque. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Unbeaten pugilist Carl Jammes Martin aims to take his first Philippine title in the super bantamweight division when he takes on champion Mark Anthony Geraldo in just the third 12-rounder of his career.
Martin, (17-0, 15 knockouts) will try to snatch away the Philippine Games and Amusements Board super bantamweight championship from Geraldo (38-9-3) on Saturday at The Flash Grand Ballroom inside Elorde Sports Complex in Parañaque.
Geraldo, 30, looks to be the toughest opponent yet for the 22-year-old Martin with the 14-year veteran the only man to beat IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas.
“This could be the best and most difficult fight that I have because he’s already a veteran and the Philippine champion,” said Martin in Filipino.
Martin began his career in 2016, a time when Geraldo was already nine years into his own.
Though he never fought for a secondary title, Geraldo had fights against former World champions Nordine Oubaali and McJoe Arroyo while also squaring up against challengers Takuma Inoue and Arthur Villanueva.
Martin, meanwhile, sees a victory against Geraldo would boost his stock as he plans to venture into the regional title picture in 2022.