Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 27) – Filipino boxing sensation Jerwin Ancajas ended his almost six-year reign as International Boxing Federation junior bantamweight champion after losing to Argentina’s Fernando Gonzalez via unanimous decision on Sunday (Philippine time) at Las Vegas, USA.
Two judges scored 118-110, while one had it 117-111, all in favor of the Argentinian boxer.
Martinez showed his aggressiveness in the early rounds with a flurry of combination punches and solid body shots that rocked the core of Ancajas.
Despite being severely punished in the ring by his Argentinian foe, the pride of Panabo, Davao Del Norte stood his ground in later rounds to weather the barrage of hits thrown against him.
The accurate punching of Gonzalez was evident throughout the bout after he landed a total of 427 punches against Ancajas’ 192, according to CompuBox. The Argentinian pugilist also made 421 power punches, dwarfing the Filipino’s 170 hits.
In the post-fight interview, Ancajas said he will exercise the clause in his contract to have a rematch with Gonzalez.
“Mas gagalingan ko pa po kasi alam ko na magaling si Martinez. Sa susunod na laban, gagawin namin ang lahat para makuha namin ang (championship),” said Ancajas who suffered his second career loss which puts his win-loss draw record to 33-2-2.
[Translation: I will be a better fighter next time because I know now how skillful Martinez is. In my next fight with him, I will do my best to win the championship.]
Ancajas held the IBF junior bantamweight title for nearly six years, or since September 2016. His bout with Gonzalez, who remained undefeated with a 14-0 slate, was his 10th title defense.
