AWARE that Filipino athletes deserve all the help they can get, Globe continues to stretch its support on that front, this time rallying behind Ifugao boxer Carl Jammes Martin.

Set to take part in Omega Pro Sports International’s (OPSI) two-part “bubble” boxing event later this month in Cebu, “Wonder Boy,” as 21-year-old Martin (15-0) is monikered, looks to keep his record intact as he goes up against Richard Rosales (14-13-2) of Bohol in a scheduled 10-round bantamweight non-title contest.

And as he sets foot on the ring anew, Mr. Martin has a valuable supporter in Globe, which sees a lot of potential in the boxer to go a long way in the sport and wants to help him realize it.

“We see the vast potential of Carl as the next Filipino world boxing champion. Despite his young age, he shows discipline, humility and hunger to be the best in his chosen sport. We would be more than happy to help him realize his dream of bringing glory and fame to the country…” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO, in

a statement.

Mr. Martin is the latest athlete who Globe has decided to support, joining the likes of Team Liyab for esports and tennis sensation Alex Eala.

Hingyon, Ifugao native Martin, the Philippine Boxing Federation bantamweight champion, last fought in December 2019, scoring a technical knockout victory in the third round over compatriot Philip Luis Cuerdo to retain his title.

Prior to it, he also scored TKO wins over Filipino Benezer Alolod (seventh round) and Thai Yuttichai Wannawong (first).

He was looking forward to sustaining his winning momentum in 2020 until the coronavirus pandemic hit and everything ground to a halt.

Mr. Martin, currently ranked 39th in the World Boxing Council, now gets to resume his push on Dec. 18 in the two-part “Kumbati” boxing event against Mr. Rosales to take place at the International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. compound in Mandaue City.

The event marks the continuation of local boxing’s return from the pandemic.

OPSI staged its first bout back after months of inactivity in October.

To ensure the success of the staging, organizers have been closely coordinating their moves with pertinent government agencies and coming up with the proper protocols to guard against the spread of the coronavirus. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo