Omega’s “Kumbati 7” slugfest: Ifugao ‘Wonder Boy’ braces for tough battle against Boholano journeyman
CEBU, Philippines — Carl Jammes Martin looks forward to his ring comeback with much excitement and enthusiasm but the undefeated Ifugao “Wonder Boy” gamely admitted that he’s a bit wary at the same time considering that he hasn’t fought for nearly a year now.
Martin, the reigning WBA Asia, WBO Oriental Youth and WBC Continental bantamweight champion, is scheduled to face Boholano journeyman Richard Rosales in the “Kumbati 7” boxing card of Omega Sports Promotions International (OSPI) behind closed doors on December 18 at the IPI compound in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.
“Masaya po ako dahil makakalaban na ulit ako pero may concern din dahil isang taon po ako na walang laban dahil sa pandemic,” said Martin, who scored a third-round stoppage of Philip Luis Cuerdo to retain his PBF 118-pound belt the last time he saw action on December 21 last year in Manila.
“Tuloy-tuloy naman ang ensayo ko pero iba pa din ang may laban talaga,” added the knockout artist from Lagawe, Ifugao.
Nonetheless, the 21-year-old Martin braces himself for a tough grind against Rosales, who has already experienced fighting under a “bubble” condition during the country’s pro boxing restart staged by Omega last October 7.
“Si Rosales po kasi, may experience na sa ganitong event kasi lumaban siya sa unang bubble ng Omega noong October. First time ko ito na sa crucial part ng training ko, masyadong limitado ang magiging galaw ko,” said Martin, who sports a perfect 15-0 record spiked with 14KOs.
For his part, the 27-year-old Rosales (14-13-2, 8KOs) vows to put dent on Martin’s unblemished slate.
“Kung robot siya (Martin), hindi ko siya masasaktan. Pero kung tao yan, masasaktan ko yan basta matamaan ko lalo na kapag walang takbuhan, suntukan talaga,” Rosales boldly declared. “Basta suntok lang ako hanggang kaya. Walang problema kung malaki siya basta sagasaan ko talaga yan.”
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