If not for the pandemic, things could have been probably better for Carl Jammes Martin and for the rest of us. Martin, fondly called the “Wonder Boy,” is the current Philippine Super Bantamweight champion from Hingyan, Ifugao.
He is unbeaten in 18 fights, with 15 of his wins via knockout. Aside from this, he has a huge social media following, with his fights getting millions of views, and to think the videos being posted and followed by millions are just footages recorded from mobile devices by his fans. I was able to connect with Wonder Boy through Dennis Principe, my constant source of analysis on bouts featuring Filipino boxers and a friend since I started covering boxing in my previous life.
Martin is probably one of the best boxers now in the country and one of the best-kept secret prospects that is due to make his mark outside the country.
While COVID-19 has impacted most boxers and athletes based in the country, things are getting interesting for Wonder Boy and his camp.
A source told me that Martin’s handlers look like they are about to strike a deal with a US-based outfit anytime soon. As to who or what, they may come out with a formal announcement next week.
While the source has declined to name the outfit, it has been disclosed in the past that former world champion and now Las Vegas-based trainer Morris East, a group led by champion maker Aljoe Jaro, MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons and emerging global boxing outfit Probellum have expressed interest in handling the career of the unbeaten young Ifugao prospect.
The source revealed that there is even a chance a partnership between two outfits might happen — that will certainly be a huge first step for Martin’s initial foray on foreign soil.
“This early, Martin’s camp is already considering a serious offer to fight in the Middle East this June,” the source added.
“One thing is certain, Martin will surely see action in a March 5 card promoted by Caucus Elorde and in all likelihood, he will again be aiming for a regional title to boost his stock as a potential international campaigner.”
While they are eager to fight abroad or face a tough foreigner or both on March 5, 2022, Martin’s camp has to make a quick decision and take into serious consideration the current pandemic status in the country. This could mean they may face a local boxer, a young but tough fighter in an All-Filipino regional title fight.
Among the names being mentioned as potential opponent for March 5 are Jess Rhey Waminal (14-4-1, 8 KOs), Ronnie Baldonado (15-2-1, 9 KOs), Carlo Demecillo (15-5-1, 8 KOs) and veteran world title campaigner Richie Mepranum (36-9-1, 11 KOs).
In this time of uncertainty, it is good to know that Martin is off to something he really deserves. Just make this happen peeps.
I don’t think the same can be said to another good Filipino athlete.
Tokyo Olympian and Asian pole vault record holder Ernest John Obiena summed up best most of our sentiments when he said “I do not jump for Mr. Philip Ella Juico or the PATAFA. I jump for my beloved nation. Ako ay atletang Pilipino. Tumatalon ako para sa Pilipinas at sa lahat ng aking kababayan.”
He made this in your face statement after the PATAFA or the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association decided to drop Obiena from the national pool and worse, the national sports association even recommended the filing of criminal charges against him and his coach Vitaly Petrov for allegedly falsifying liquidation statements and late payments to the Ukrainian coach.
Obiena has since denied the accusations and Petrov spoke openly to support his ward and even accused the PATAFA of tricking him in signing a document.
The Philippine Olympic Committee has since declared Juico persona non grata and has reiterated its support to ensure that Obiena and other athletes will achieve their Olympic dreams.
I know EJ way way back. I was there when he initially set the new Philippine record in the early evening of July 20, 2014 at the PhilSports Football and Athletics Stadium or more popularly known as ULTRA in Pasig City. They were only a handful of people there when the then 18-year-old Obiena made the mark. Wala po kayo Mr. Juico noong oras na ‘yun at kung sinong opisyal pa ng PATAFA.
There have been so many instances in the past when athletes speak about how they are being treated by the NSAs, even the county’s first-ever Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz was made to suffer after she spoke about conditions, while she was training. It was hardly a surprise that instead of training here in the country, Diaz chose to prepare in Malaysia months before the Tokyo Games.
My point is, it is happening again. And will continue to happen as long as we have sports officials who prioritize other things except taking care of the very few home-grown talents that they have, of looking to Fil-foreign athletes (to clarify, I’m not against Fil-foreign athletes playing for flag and country) while not pushing its grassroots programs, if there is one in the first place, and who torpedo the career and dreams of the athletes who have been giving the country accolades and next best chance of another Olympic medal.
Can someone propose a law that would limit the terms of local sports officials?
By the way, who checks on the liquidation expenses of our sports officials now that we are talking about the subject?
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps.