Martin stakes all in Riyadh

MANILA, Philippines — The fearless Ifugao “Wonder Boy” puts his boxing future on the line against Mexican warrior David Picasso in a scheduled 10-round featherweight fight at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia early this morning (Manila time) with the consequence weighing heavily on the WBO No. 1 superbantamweight contender in his 126-pound debut.

Carl Jammes Martin, 27, has trained three months in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, preparing for the toughest test of his career. MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said it’s a huge opportunity for Martin to showcase his wares. “Carl has to fight his fight and we’ll find out what he’s made of,” said Gibbons. “He’s got the skills to win and fight at this level. He’s superbly coming out and he feels good. It’s a big night for Carl.”

Battling overseas isn’t a concern for Martin who’s beaten Mexicans twice in Mexico and once in Nevada. He’s called out Naoya Inoue and John Riel Casimero to a duel, showing no fright and no respect. Martin’s climb to the top has been meteoric, turning pro in 2016 weighing 110 pounds and later invading the flyweight, superflyweight, bantamweight and superbantamweight ranks. If Martin decides to stay in the featherweight class, a win over Picasso, who’s rated No. 2 by WBC and No. 8 by WBA, would be a major step forward.

Picasso, 26, has a 33-1-1 record, with 18 KOs compared to Martin’s 28-0, with 21 KOs. Last year, he lost a decision to Inoue in Riyadh. The right-handed Picasso has a five-inch reach advantage over Martin, a southpaw, and will use it to keep the Filipino a safe distance away from engaging at close quarters.