Carl Jammes Martin —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Filipino pugilists Charly Suarez and Carl Jammes Martin are looking to win the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) continental titles in their respective divisions on Saturday.
Suarez (9-0, 6 knockouts), who represented the Philippines in the 2016 Rio Olympics, will take on fellow Filipino Tomjune Mangubat in a 12-rounder for the WBA Asia super featherweight title.
Martin (18-0), who’s 11 years younger than the 33-year-old Suarez, will face Cotabato’s Ronnie Baldonado for the vacant WBA Asia super bantamweight strap.
“This fight is crucial for me because this could pave the way for an international campaign soon. But first things first, my focus is Mangubat at the moment,” said Suarez.Martin won’t just be seeking another title but he’ll also defend his Philippines Games and Amusements Board championship that he won in December 2021 against Mark Anthony Geraldo.
The 22-year-old from Ifugao, is also the No.12 fighter in the International Boxing Federation’s 122-pound rankings.
“My opponent is moving up in weight but it won’t make him a huge underdog because admittedly, he’s faced boxers who are way talented compared with my past foes,” said Martin, who proudly banners his Igorot heritage.