Martin claims PH super bantamweight belt; Suarez wins

Carl Jammes Martin. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Prospect Carl Jammes Martin became the new Philippine Games and Amusements Board super bantamweight champion after scoring a unanimous decision win over Mark Anthony Geraldo Saturday at Elorde Sports Center in Parañaque.

Martin got staggered in the fifth round after absorbing a strong right counter from Geraldo but made the adjustments in the latter rounds to fend off the 50-fight veteran.

The 22-year-old used his jab and footwork to earn the nod of all three judges.

“My legs usually get heavy in the middle of my fights but now I was surprised that I was light on my feet,” said Martin in Filipino as he gave credit to his strength and conditioning coach Mel Lantin for his improved condition.

“The strength and conditioning workouts really gave me an advantage.”

Lantin, a Physical Education graduate from the University of the Philippines, is the Program Director for Physical Development of the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines and he helped Martin in the lead-up to the fight.

Martin improved to a 19-0 record while Geraldo, the only man to defeat IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, dropped to 38-10-3.

Olympian Charly Suarez, meanwhile, boosted his stock after a 10-round decision over Delmar Pello.

Suarez is looking to get a regional title shot in March 2022.

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