Carl Jammes "Wonder Boy" Martin, an Igorot boxing prodigy from the Cordilleras is considered by many boxing experts and enthusiasts to be the next Manny Pacquiao once the legend finally decides to hang up his gloves.
Martin, born on May 18, 1999, in Lagawe, Ifugao, is believed to be following in the footsteps of the 8-division World Champion from General Santos, according to former two-division world boxing champion Gerry Peñalosa, who now serves as a trainer of the country's top athletes.
"The kid has talent and charisma. He has the right materials to be the next Filipino boxing hero. Carl is explosive and left-handed... He reminds me of the young Manny and has tremendous power. He has potential," Peñalosa said.
The 20-year-old Igorot gradually rose to the world boxing stage as he won against 14 opponents in his last 15 fights by spectacular knockouts.
As of this writing, Martin is undefeated in his 15 fights and currently the World Boxing Organization Oriental Youth Bantamweight Champion after defeating Tanzania's Hashimuro Zuberi in 2018.
In 2017, Martin snatched the Interim World Boxing Council and Asian Boxing Council Continental Bantamweight belt after whacking Artid Bamrunguea of Thailand.
Martin's achievements in boxing have sparked Abel, his father and trainer, to relate him to Senator Pacquiao.
"Carl fights like Senator Manny... Like the legendary Manny Pacquiao, he has power, speed, and great footwork. He also likes to throw a lot of punches. In my view, he is a complete boxer," Abel said.
