Carl Jammes Martin Claims WBC Silver Featherweight Title with Upset Victory Over David Picasso

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Filipino boxing prospect Carl Jammes Martin achieved a significant career milestone by defeating Mexican former world title contender David Picasso on points. The bout took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the early hours of Sunday, Manila time. This victory enabled Martin to secure the WBC silver featherweight title, a prestigious addition to his growing accolades.

The 27-year-old Martin, hailing from Lagawe, Ifugao, showcased his resilience after facing a setback in the eighth round when he was knocked down by Picasso's swift jab. Nevertheless, he swiftly recovered and managed to deliver a powerful performance in the subsequent rounds that tilted the judges' scorecards in his favor. The match concluded with Martin winning by split decision, with final scores of 94-95, 95-94, and 96-93, adding to his impressive record of 29 victories without a loss.

Before meeting Martin, Picasso had a notable reputation as a former contender for a world championship. In a high-profile match in 2025, he had challenged celebrated Japanese fighter Naoya Inoue, ultimately losing on points. Following this defeat, Picasso attempted to reclaim his status in the boxing world by moving up a weight class, where he achieved a victory over fellow countryman Maicol Rincon to claim the same minor title that Martin took from him in their recent fight.

The contest was characterized by a tactical and closely contested battle, resembling a strategic chess match as both fighters sought to find their rhythm and openings. Picasso gained a moment of advantage in the eighth round, courtesy of a decisive knockdown. Following the incident, Martin showcased his perseverance, insisting he had tripped rather than been knocked down, and continued to demonstrate effective punching combinations that secured him the last two rounds of the match.

Reflecting on his victory, Martin attributed his success to patience, which proved crucial in managing the challenging circumstances of the fight after the knockdown. With the win now under his belt, including an impressive tally of 21 knockouts in his career, Martin has positioned himself for potential future opportunities at a world title.

Meanwhile, Picasso, who stands at 33 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with 18 victories coming from knockouts, will need to regroup after this setback.

Reporting by Gerald Queen for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.