One of boxing’s longest championship reigns saw its end on Sunday.
Jerwin Ancajas surrendered his International Boxing Federation Junior Bantamweight belt to underdog Fernando Martinez, suffering a unanimous decision loss (111-117, 110-118, 110-118), at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ancajas, 30, was in control early before the Argentinian found his footing.
From there, it was a slobber knocker with Martinez getting the better of the exchanges.
In the 10th round, Ancajas tried to turn the tides into his favor but Martinez’s deadly right hook continued to find its target.
Ancajas suffered his first loss in 10 years, a majority decision loss to Mark Anthony Geraldo in Lapu-Lapu City. He went down to 33-2-2, 22KOs in his career.
Despite the defeat, Ancajas lauded Martinez, saying that it was an honor to share the ring with him.
“Masaya po ako na nakalaban si Martinez na isang Olympian, magaling na boksingero,” he said. “Proud ako sa nakalaban ko, magaling, mahirap na kalaban.”
Martinez was a cardio machine in the bout, throwing a total of 1,046 punches and landing 427.
Martinez, 30, went up to 14-0 in his career.
Definitely, Ancajas will exercise the rematch clause he has in his contract.
“Kung sakali pong maglaban kami ulit, mas gagalingan ko pa po, kasi alam ko na magaling si Martinez,” said the native of Panabo City.
“Pero sa susunod na laban, tiyak na gagawin namin ‘yung lahat para makuha ulit ang championship.”
