Ifugao’s “Wonderboy” Martin hunts world title shot in clash with Mexican Picasso on Oct. 31

SPORTS

LAGAWE, Ifugao — Undefeated Ifugao boxer Carl Jammes “Wonderboy” Martin is set for a career-defining showdown against Mexican contender Alan David “El Rey” Picasso on October 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a possible shot at the undisputed super-bantamweight world title on the line.

The 12-round bout will be part of the undercard of the Canelo Álvarez-Christian Mbilli fight and is billed as a high-stakes title eliminator. The winner could earn an opportunity to face Japan’s Naoya Inoue, the reigning undisputed four-belt super-bantamweight champion.

Martin, a 27-year-old native of Lagawe, said the matchup fulfills a long-held dream and offers an opportunity to prove himself on the international stage.

“Matagal ko na pong pinangarap ang pagkakataong ito, at patuloy akong nangangarap at nagtitiwala sa Ama kung saan Niya ako nararapat dalhin,” Martin wrote as he confirmed the matchup on October 9.

Martin enters the fight with an unblemished 28-0 record, including 21 knockouts. He is ranked No. 1 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 11 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in the super-bantamweight division.

The southpaw built his international record with victories in Mexico, the United States and the Philippines from 2024 to 2025. He scored a second-round stoppage against Anthony Jimenez and a fifth-round knockout over Ruben Antonio Tostado in Mexico, then defeated Francisco Pedroza by unanimous decision in his US debut in Las Vegas.

Back home, Martin added two more wins, beating former world title challenger Aran Dipaen by unanimous decision before stopping Carlo Demecillo in the third round.

Picasso, 26, carries a 31-1-1 record with 18 knockouts. The Mexican is ranked No. 2 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), No. 8 by the WBA and No. 13 by the IBF.

The upcoming clash gives Martin a chance to extend his unbeaten run while moving closer to a world title opportunity.

He appealed to supporters to continue backing him as he pursues his dream.

“Nawa’y patuloy ninyo akong samahan sa paglalakbay na ito tungo sa katuparan ng aking mga pangarap. Maraming salamat po sa inyong tiwala, panalangin, at walang sawang suporta,” he said.