UNBEATEN Carl James Martin survived a seventh round knockdown in the biggest fight of his career and stunned former world title challenger David Picasso in their 10-round featherweight bout early Sunday morning (Manila time) at the Riyadh Kingdom Arena.
The 27-year-old Filipino suffered a flash knockdown in the seventh round following an overhand left to the head by the Mexican, causing Martin’s left glove to touch the canvas.
But that didn’t deter Martin from scoring an upset, as he eked out a split decision, with two of the judges seeing the bout at 95-94 and 96-93 in his favor, and the other judge giving it to Picasso, 95-94.
The win improved Martin’s record to 29-0 with 21 KOs, putting him in line for possible lucrative fights at the 126-pound division.
Martin's corner didn't panic after Picasso sent him down to the canvas.
"I know Cass is a great fighter. They (cornermen) said be patient. Just wait for him," the Filipino recalled of what his team told him moments after the knockdown.
Picasso, just 26 years old, suffered his second loss in his last three outings, including a unanimous decision to superstar Naoya Inoue for the undisputed super-bantamweight championship.
His record fell 33-2 (18 KOs).
Martin later disclosed the Mexican asked him for a possible rematch, to which the Filipino agreed.
"If you want a rematch, let's do a rematch," Martin said of his brief, post-fight conversation with his vanquished foe.
"I'm ready for a rematch. I'm not afraid of anybody," added the Ifugao fighter, who claimed the WBC silver featherweight crown following the win.
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