Martin destroys Tostado

Carl Jammes Martin made sure his lofty world rating is going to stay as it is after posting a fifth-round knockout of Juan Tostado of Mexico in their super-bantamweight contest Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) in Tijuana.

The referee called a mercy halt to the bout after Martin dropped Tostado with a barrage of head shots.

Although Tostado managed to get up, the third man on the ring was wise enough to stop the carnage, allowing the Filipino southpaw to raise his record to 24-0 with 19 knockouts.

The victory over Tostado was Martin’s second fight outside the Philippines after relocating from his homebase in Lagawe, Ifugao.

Represented by Sean Gibbons’ MP Promotions, Martin, nicknamed “Wonder Boy,” is on the verge of a world title shot.

If pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue decides to fast-track his invasion of the featherweight division, Martin should get the callup to dispute the vacated World Boxing Organization throne since he is rated No. 2.

Martin is likewise ranked No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation.