PROMISING young prospect Carl Jammes Martin faces another tough test as he takes on veteran former world title challenger Ernesto Saulong on May 29, 2021, at the Tanaw de Rizal in Laguna.
The 21-year-old Martin, nicknamed the “Wonder Boy,” has only fought twice since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the Philippines. Martin had his hands full against journeyman Richard Rosales and forced him to go the distance in Mandaue City. But he outclassed him via a 10-round unanimous decision. Martin then fought another experienced fighter in Joe Tejones and knocked him out in five rounds in Binan City.
Saulong is looking to bounce back after losing three straight fights. He lost to former amateur standout Criztian Pitt Laurente by unanimous decision in his last contest on March 3, 2021, in Binan City.
Saulong, the former World Boxing Council (WBC) International bantamweight champion, fought for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super bantamweight belt against Ryosuke Iwasa in Japan in 2018. He went the distance but lost to Iwasa in a lopsided unanimous decision.
Martin, rated No. 30 by the WBC, is 17-0 with 15 knockouts, while the 32-year-old Saulong is 22-7-2 with nine knockouts. (EKA)