Jerwin Ancajas has a possible fight with Fernando Martinez
The boxing community was disappointed when the traditional end-of-year mega-unification between IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (33-1-2, 22ko) and WBO champion Kazuto Ioka (27-2, 15ko) was called off. It now seems that Ancajas could fight IBF #13 ranked Fernando “Pumita” Martinez (13-0, 8ko).
POSSIBLE NEW OPPONENT FOUND
The Ioka cancellation was due to a decision made by the Japanese government to disallow any outside visitors due to the new Omicron COVID-19 variant. In an attempt to save his traditional fight date, Ioka will be moving forward with replacement fighter Ryoji Fukunaga.
According to Philstar Global, the Filipino champion is looking for a new dance partner, which could be the 30-year-old from Argentina. Ancajas sent shockwaves in the boxing community after leaving Top Rank to sign with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions brand.
“Jerwin is fighting with PBC. He is with PBC as long as they want him.”
Sean Gibbons, President of MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions
Pretty boy made his debut under the new PBC flagship on the undercard of Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Sergey Lipinets on April 10. In addition, he is the longest-reigning champion of the division, and a unification fight would have been that signature fight that is missing from his resume.
IS MARTINEZ READY FOR THE MOMENT?
Boxing fans will naturally assume that Martinez is easy work for the IBF champion. Yes, it is easy to feel that way when you look at his resume. He has fought primarily in his home country against the lower-tier competition, but he has an extensive amateur background.
Pumita is a 2016 Olympian and has fought in the famous World Series of Boxing for about seven years. So, he comes well-groomed and he is a come-forward, aggressive fighter that likes going to the body. Moreover, he likes to build off the jab, using his footwork to create an opening.
Martinez tends to load up on the right hand and needs to work on that head movement. He attacks recklessly at times with his head on the centerline, which leaves him open for counters.
This year in boxing has produced several upsets on the championship level. Martinez is in the perfect position to seize the moment like many others have this year. 3kingsboxing will continue to monitor this situation for further development.
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By: Garrisson Bland
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