Next Manny Pacquiao? Undefeated Boxer Draws Comparisons To Filipino Legend

An undefeated Filipino boxer from Ifugao could be the next Manny Pacquiao.

Carl Jammes Martin is a bantamweight boxer who is beginning to create buzz in Philippine boxing. Both boxing experts and fans see him as the next bearer for the sport Pacquiao has been dominating for years. In fact, Martin is even drawing comparisons to the eight-division title holder himself.

As “Pac-man’s” stellar career looms, Martin, a fighter from the mountains of Lagawe, Ifugao strives to become the next Filipino boxer who will fill in the shoes of Pacquiao when he finally decides to hang the gloves.

At only 20 years of age, Martin has already turned heads, boasting an outstanding record of 15 wins with 14 coming by way of knockout without a single defeat or draw.

In a recent interview with ABS-CBN News, Former two-division world champion Gerry Peñalosa compared Martin’s explosiveness to a young Pacquiao.

“The kid has talent and charisma. He has the right materials to be the next Filipino boxing hero. Carl is explosive and left-handed,” Peñalosa said of Martin .

"He reminds me of the young Manny and has tremendous power. He has full of potential,” Peñalosa added.

Martin, who said that he used to wrap his fists with an old diaper cloth, started to lace up a pair of gloves when he was only six years old. A year later, he already made his amateur debut and compiled an astounding 56-0 record. The Ifugao native turned pro in 2016 and never tasted defeat since then. He earned the nickname “Wonder Boy” due to his impressive display of a grown man’s expertise despite his young age.

In his pro career, Martin has already proven that he can compete at a higher level defeating boxers from Thailand, Tanzania, Indonesia, and China. He now holds regional titles from major organizations such as WBA, WBO, and WBC.

His father and trainer Abel Martin is also convinced that his son “fights like Pacquiao.” Abel even noted that opponents must not give his son any sign of weakness inside the ring as he will surely expose it.

“Carl fights like Senator Manny. Don’t give him an opening in the ring because he will definitely expose it. Like the legendary Manny Pacquiao, he has power, speed, and great footwork,” Abel said of his son.

Last year, Pacquiao’s trusted coach Freddie Roach claimed that he already found the next Pacquiao. Apparently, Roach saw the resemblance in Gor Yeritsyan, an undefeated, hard-hitting Armenian welterweight boxer.

According to Roach, Yeritsyan is an “all-around” fighter who also carries power in both hands just like Pacquiao.

“Gor is a very good boxer and all-around fighter with power in both hands who throws good combinations. He reminds me of a young Manny Pacquaio,” Roach said.