96-93, 95-94! Ifugao’s Wonder Boy Martin stuns Mexican Picasso, captures WBC Silver crown

SPORTS

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Undefeated Filipino boxer Carl Jammes “Wonder Boy” Martin delivered the biggest victory of his professional career, dethroning favored Mexican fighter David Picasso via split decision to capture the World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver featherweight title early Sunday, November 1 (Manila time), at the Kingdom Arena.

Martin, a 27-year-old southpaw from Lagawe, Ifugao, prevailed in a closely contested 10-round bout, with two judges scoring in his favor, 95-94 and 96-93, while the third judge gave Picasso a 96-95 edge.

The victory extended Martin’s unbeaten record to 29 wins, including 21 knockouts, and marked a successful debut in the 126-pound featherweight division.

The Filipino boxer had to overcome a crucial flash knockdown and Picasso’s physical advantage before securing the career-defining victory.

Picasso, who had a five-inch reach advantage, managed to drop Martin with a short jab during the bout. However, the Filipino quickly recovered and continued pressing the Mexican with accurate punches to the head and body.

Martin finished strongly in the closing rounds, landing solid combinations that helped him gain the judges’ favor and secure the championship belt.

“Just patience,” Martin said after the fight when asked how he adjusted following the knockdown.

The victory came after an intensive three-month preparation in the United States, where Martin trained in Los Angeles and Las Vegas alongside his father and head trainer, Abel Martin.

His training camp included sessions at Knuckleheads Boxing Gym in Las Vegas and the gym of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in Los Angeles. He also underwent approximately three weeks of training under Filipino coach Marvin Somodio.

Martin entered the fight with a 28-0 record, including 21 knockouts, and accepted the challenge despite moving up from the super bantamweight division to face the more experienced Mexican.

Before the bout, Martin acknowledged the risks of changing weight divisions but viewed the fight as an opportunity to test himself against elite competition and advance his boxing career.

Picasso, 26, entered the contest with a 33-1-1 record and 18 knockouts. He previously challenged Japanese boxing superstar Naoya Inoue for the undisputed super bantamweight championship in December 2025 but lost via unanimous decision.

The Mexican had moved up in weight and captured the WBC Silver featherweight title in August 2026 after stopping compatriot Maicol Rincon. Martin's victory ended his reign as champion.

The fight was part of the Mexico vs. The World boxing card at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which featured the much-anticipated showdown between Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Christian Mbilli.

With the triumph, Martin strengthened his position as a rising contender in the featherweight division and moved closer to a potential world championship opportunity.