Fernando Martinez Dominates Jerwin Ancajas in Championship Rematch!
The stakes were high when IBF super bantamweight champion Fernando “Pumita” Martinez (15-0, 8 KO’s) made his first title defense. In that crucial duel, Martinez fought Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (33-3-2, 22 KO’s), who he beat to claim the strap in the first place. Interestingly, that title fight was his first fight in the States. Also, prior to Ancajas, Pumita had zero names of consequence on his resume.
Ironically, it was only due to the vicissitudes of fate that Martinez got the match in the first place. This is because Ancajas was well on his way to facing WBO super flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka in a much sought after unification match. Sadly that fight got the kibosh due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, Pumita dutifully stepped to the plate and outhustled Ancajas to win a unanimous decision win in a very entertaining war.
Naturally, this firmly placed the pressure on Pretty Boy’s shoulders to prove this was simply an off night in the office. Ancajas first captured the IBF 115-pound title by toppling McJoe Arroyo back on September 3, 2016. The talented Filipino went on to make nine successful defenses, six by stoppage, before crossing paths with Martinez.
Looking to reclaim his IBF title, Pretty Boy fought the first round like a fighter with a plan. This was opposed to how he fought the first fight with Martinez, where he elected to stand and trade. As for the champion, it was all pressure. Martinez would often come forward. However, his lack of a jab and inability to cut the ring off left him ineffective in the first few rounds.
MARTINEZ FINDS HIS GROOVE!
After a slow start, Pumita started getting things going in round three as he started to land the left hook to the head and body of Ancajas. Pretty Boy wouldn’t be completely outdone as he would stand and trade big shots of his own. However, the pressure and punches in bunches would slowly start to see Martinez take control of the fight.
As the bout went into the latter half, it was all Martinez. By now, he had significantly affected Ancajas with his vicious body attack. After twelve rounds, Martinez would be announced as the winner via a unanimous decision. The scores were 119-109 and 118-110 twice.
After dropping back-to-back losses to Martinez, Ancajas now has some big decisions to make. Clearly not the fighter he’s been in the past, it’ll be interesting to see if continues on in a new weight class or hangs them up after consecutive, brutal, action-packed fights.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
