JERWIN ANCAJAS FAILS TO RECLAIM IBF JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT CROWN

Filipino boxer Jerwin Ancajas failed to reclaim his IBF junior bantamweight title after succumbing to Argentina’s Fernando Martinez anew via unanimous decision over the weekend in Carson, California.

Martinez successfully defended his crown, convincing the judges who scored 119-109, 118-110, and 118-110 in his favor.

Martinez, as quoted by Agence France Press through a translator in a report, said: “This was a validation of the first fight. Definitely, the training was very hard. I prepared really well.”

While the reigning IBF junior bantamweight champion Martinez improved to a 15-0 win-loss record, Filipino southpaw Ancajas dropped to 33-3 (two draws, 22 knockouts).

The Argentinian fighter said he’s ready for anyone as his record shows he’s a champion.

He also shared that defending a world title is tougher than winning it for the first time. “It’s harder definitely to maintain that hunger and maintain the title,” Martinez said.

Game Recap

The 29-year-old Ancajas, who used the rematch clause in a bid to regain his title, aggressively attacked Martinez in the fourth and fifth rounds but Martinez countered with a barrage of combinations in the sixth.

Ancajas suffered an accidental head-butt in the seventh round, which briefly stopped the fight, and the Filipino seemed to lose steam in the second half of their duel, which could be attributed to the difficulty of cutting his weight to 115 pounds.

Although Ancajas performed better in the rematch than when he first lost his crown, similar conditioning issues afflicted the Filipino’s recent performance as he withered in the last six rounds.

Ancajas soared to a good start with his excellent strategy, holding his ground in the first five rounds but after Martinez hurt him in the sixth round, the Filipino started to fade.

Martinez, for his part, had a bull-like toughness with a gas tank ready for a 12-rounder. The Argentinian came prepared as he seemed to be bulletproof to Ancajas’ punches.

Jerwin Ancajas families

Meanwhile, friends, family, relatives, and netizens posted comments on Ancajas’ Facebook, thanking him for representing the country and for putting up a good fight.

Jok Galido Solmoro wrote, “Still proud of you pre Champ Jerwin Ancajas better luck next fight pre. Marami pang laban na darating and more power to the team (I’m still proud of you champ Jerwin Ancajas, better luck next time, friend. There are still many fights ahead of you, and more power to the team) God bless always.”

“I’m proud of you brother Jerwin Ancajas you’re still our champ win or lose, keep your head up,” a Michael Ona posted on Ancajas’ timeline.

His nephew Zeaus Uy Ancajas also said, “Thank you pa rin, Lord, sa safety fight and pag guide nyo po ky Tito champ Jerwin Ancajas, still proud and. Champion parin si tito. Para sa akin and kay Coach Joven (Thank you, Lord, for the safe fight and for guiding Tito champ Jerwin Ancajas, still proud that Tito is still the champion for me and Coach Joven).”

Ronerex Dalut also wrote, “Saludo parin ako sayo tol ipinakita mo ang tunay na pusong  Filipino sa taas ng ring congrats parin tol Jerwin Ancajas (We still salute you, brother, for showing the heart of a Filipino on the ring. Congrats, Jerwin Ancajas) God bless!”