Filipino champion Jerwin Ancajas vs Argentine challenger Fernando Martinez. SHOWTIME PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Jerwin Ancajas’ lengthy title reign has come to an end after losing to Argentinian challenger Fernando Martinez via unanimous decision Sunday (Manila time) at Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.
Martinez, who was in his first title fight, spoiled Ancajas’ Las Vegas debut in his 10th defense of the IBF super flyweight championship, taking all of the judges’ score cards 117-111, 118-111, 118-111.
In a barnburner for both fighters, it was Martinez who dictated the tempo landing combinations at will as Ancajas decided to stay inside for much of the contest instead of using his height and reach advantage.
The 5-foot-6 Ancajas was able to land some power punches of his own but Martinez’s relentless onslaught made it difficult for the Filipino to string combinations that would’ve have deterred the aggressive Argentinian.
We got a BANGER through 9 🔥👀#AncajasMartinez #ColbertGarcia pic.twitter.com/W39altMjLS
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) February 27, 2022
Martinez, who was hellbent on using his aggression against the champion, landed just six jabs in the match but bombarded Ancajas with 421 power shots.
Ancajas’ total punches was 192, well below the half of what Martinez produced.
The loss not only ended Ancajas’ (33-2-2) reign, which started in September 2016 when he beat McJoe Arroyo, it also snapped the Filipino’s 22-unbeaten streak.
Martinez, who is three inches shorter than Ancajas, (14-0) kept his perfect record alive after a dominant performance.
Ancajas, who was supposed to take on WBO champion Kazuto Ioka in Japan on New Year’s eve, can activate his rematch clause to regain the IBF title.