The benefits of having a legitimate strength and conditioning coach proved to be crucial for young boxing prospect Carl Jammes Martin in his latest fight.
The 22-year-old Martin snatched the Philippine superbantamweight crown from longtime champion Mark Anthony Geraldo via 12-round unanimous decision win Saturday night at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.
The Hingyon, Ifugao-native Martin started out strong by connecting several counter rights and body shots that baffled the 50-fight veteran Geraldo.
In the 5th round, Martin got staggered a bit after he got caught with a strong counter right from Geraldo.
The following rounds, though, Martin made the necessary adjustments when he used his excellent footwork and stinging jabs to outwork Geraldo, a longtime Philippine champion who scored impressive knockouts in all of his last four fights.
“Dati kasi ‘pag kalagitnaan ng laban medyo mabigat na paa ko. Ngayon nagulat ako kasi ang gaan at bilis ng paa ko kaya maganda talaga epekto ng strength and conditioning sa akin,” said Martin.
In preparing for this fight, Martin tapped the services of Mel Lantin, a University of the Philippines Physical Education graduate, who is also the Program Director for Physical Development of the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines.
The win improved Martin’s record to 18-0 with 15 knockouts, while Geraldo, who is the only fighter to beat IBF world superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, drops to 38-10-3, 19 Kos.
In the main event, Olympian Charly Suarez positioned himself to aim for a championship belt when he tallied a 10-round decision win over previously unbeaten superfeatherweight Delmar Pello.
Suarez is eyeing to claim a regional title in a planned March 2022 card being prepared by VSP Boxing in partnership with the Ultimate Knockout Challenge of Cucuy Elorde.