JERWIN Ancajas attempts to regain the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight belt from current titleholder Fernando Martinez in a rematch today, Oct. 9 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Ancajas lost his IBF super flyweight strap to Martinez via unanimous decision in Las Vegas. Martinez overwhelmed Ancajas with his aggressiveness and pressure.
After the fight, Ancajas decided to exercise his rematch clause against the 31-year-old Martinez instead of moving up in weight.
The 30-year-old Ancajas and Martinez both tipped the scales at identical weights of 114 3/4 pounds.
Ancajas was unstoppable in his world title reign. He successfully defended the IBF strap nine times and was being considered as the next superstar from the Philippines. Martinez, however, spoiled Ancajas’ six-year run as world champion.
Ancajas is 33-2-2 with 22 knockouts, while Martinez, a former Olympian, is 14-0 with eight knockouts.
On the other hand, Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial faces Steven Pichardo in a four-rounder.
The 26-year-old Marcial has been touted as the next big thing in Philippine boxing. He was very impressive in the amateur ranks and is fighting at a very marketable division—middleweight.
Marcial, however, was shocked in his last fight after he was dropped three times by Isiah Hart. But he showed a ton of heart by weathering the storm and knocking out Hart in the fourth round.
The 26-year-old Pichardo is eager to bounce back and score a huge upset over a highly regarded prospect like Marcial.
He is coming off a unanimous decision defeat to Shady Gamhour.
Marcial is 2-0 with a knockout, while Pichardo is 8-2-1 with two knockouts.