Martin (left) and Duge to fight in Mandaluyong.
Ifugao pride Martin battles Tanzanian fighter
WBA Asia super bantamweight titlist
Carl Jammes “Wonder Boy” Martin faces another herculean task when he takes on dangerous Oscar Duge of Tanzania on Aug. 19 at the Mandaluyong City College gym in Mandaluyong City.
In his first fight after almost eight months, the 24-year-old pride of Lagawe, Ifugao, is seeking a convincing win over Duge before an expected standing-room only home crowd.
“I was inactive for about a year during the pandemic and I struggled a bit. Looking back, I learned a lot from that inactivity and I hope to make the necessary adjustments this time,” said Martin, who is still unbeaten in 21 fights.
This will be Martin’s first fight since scoring an impressive second-round knockout victory over Komgrich Nantapech of Thailand in Baguio City last year.
He improved his record to 21-0, including 17 knockouts.
Martin is currently ranked No. 4 in the IBF and No. 9 in the WBO as a super bantamweight. He is the current IBF Pan Pacific champion and once held the WBA Asia and WBO Oriental Youth belts.
But Martin’s opponent is no pushover.
Duge, who is known for his ring generalship and sturdiness, noasts of a record of 11-5-2 with four knockouts.
He has yet to suffer a knockout loss.
“Martin better be ready as I will aim for his world rankings. This is my chance. This is for my family. This is for Tanzania,” said the 26-year’old Duge during a weekend zoom guesting in a Philippine sports radio show.
