Martin Stuns Picasso to Take WBC Silver Featherweight Title in Riyadh

Carl Jammes Martin scored the biggest win of his career on Saturday, edging former world title challenger David Picasso by split decision to claim the WBC Silver featherweight title on the Canelo Álvarez–Christian Mbilli undercard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A knockdown, then a strong finish

The 27-year-old southpaw from Lagawe, Ifugao had to climb off the canvas in the seventh round, when a pinpoint Picasso jab sent his glove to the floor. Martin beat the count quickly — protesting that he had slipped — and showed no signs of being hurt.

He answered by outworking the Mexican down the stretch, finishing the 10th and final round as the busier man. Two judges saw it his way: Jorge Gorini scored the bout 95-94 and Barry Linderman 96-93 for Martin, while Guido Cavalleri had it 95-94 for Picasso.

"Just patience," Martin said in the ring afterward when asked how he adjusted after the knockdown.

The best name on his record

Picasso is by far the most accomplished opponent Martin has beaten. The 26-year-old's only previous defeat came last December, when he went the distance with Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue in a challenge for the undisputed super-bantamweight championship. Picasso moved up to 126 pounds afterward and won the same WBC Silver belt he lost on Saturday, stopping Maicol Rincón in August.

Martin arrived in Riyadh as the WBO's No. 1 contender at super bantamweight but stepped up to featherweight after struggling to land fights at 122 pounds. The gamble paid off: he remains unbeaten at 29-0 with 21 knockouts and now holds a belt — and a ranking — in a second division.

Picasso falls to 33-2-1 (18 KOs).

What comes next

The victory pushes Martin toward a world title shot at featherweight. It may also have set up a return bout — Martin said Picasso asked about a rematch in their brief post-fight exchange.

"If you want a rematch, let's do a rematch," Martin said. "I'm ready for a rematch. I'm not afraid of anybody."