Ancajas to defend title against dangerous Martinez on Feb. 26
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 25 Feb 2022
Ancajas (L) and Martinez are all smiles during Thursday's presscon in Las Vegas.
REIGNING International Boxing Federation (IBF) world super flyweight champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas of Panabo City will defend his title against undefeated Fernando “Pumita” Martinez of Argentina on February 26 at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The 30-year-old Ancajas will be making his 10th defense.
Ancajas downed Mexican Jonathan Javier Rodriguez Valles in the 8th round to win by a unanimous decision and retain his title last April 10, 2021 at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville.
Ancajas has a ring record of 33 wins, 1 loss, 2 draws and 22 knockouts while Martinez has 13 wins with 8 knockouts.
In his last fight, the 30-year-old Martinez scored an 8th round technical knockout against Gonzalo Garcia Duran last August 13, 2021 at Hotel Atlantis The Palm in Dubai.
During Thursday's press conference, Ancajas said:
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to realize my dream and fight here in Las Vegas. I’m very happy that Martinez has trained so hard for this fight. Being a champion, I always want to bring a good fight.
“It gives me motivation that he’s an Olympian and that he has lots of experience in the amateurs. I’m excited for this fight. I’m feeling very energetic and I can’t wait to get into the ring.
“If I have the opportunity to get the knockout, I’m going to go for it. If I see an opening or a weakness, I’m ready to take advantage of it.
“When I defend this title, then I want the unification fight next. I’m ready to go wherever I have to in order to get that fight. But I’m definitely not overlooking Martinez. I know that he’s going to do his best and that excites me.”
Meanwhile, World Boxing Association Interim World Super featherweight champion Chris “Primetime” Colbert (16-0, 6KOs) of USA will take on Hector Luis El “Droide” Garcia (14-0, 10KOs) of Dominican Republic in the co-main event.
The promoter and matchmaker is Tom Brown.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.
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