Photo: Games and Amusement Board/Facebook

By Shawn De Guzman

Super bantamweight prospect Carl Jammes Martin expressed disappointment the “basket-brawl” during his 12-round fight against fellow Filipino boxer Carlo Demecillo.

The world-rated fighter took to social media to air his frustration over having to fight on a basketball court and wait under a tree due to the absence of a proper dressing room.

“To the promoter Saturday night, and to Mr. Sean Gibbons, I sincerely appreciate the effort and sacrifices made. However, I cannot pretend that what happened was acceptable,” wrote Martin.

“I did not wait seven months for a fight to be staged on a basketball court, without a dressing room and with me left waiting under a tree,” he added.

According to Martin, the situation also opened him up to ridicule online with some fans and critics comparing the event to a barangay boxing show instead of a bout involving a legitimate world title contender.

Martin is currently ranked No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), No. 7 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), No. 12 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), and No. 15 by the World Boxing Council (WBC).

“I am speaking up because my supporters saw what happened and once again the critics are having a field day at my expense. At this point, I do not know what comes next. But one thing is certain: I am deeply disappointed,” he said.

Fighting under MP Promotions, Martin stopped Demecillo in the third round to preserve his unbeaten record through 28 professional fights. He stressed that after nearly a decade in the sport, he has earned the right to pursue better opportunities.

“I have done my part through 28 fights and nearly 10 years as a professional,” Martin said.

“I believe I have earned the right to pursue the best possible fights and opportunities moving forward, all for my family and the supporters who stood by me through every high and low, never losing faith in me even during the hardest moments,” he added.