Fernando Martinez Powers Past Jerwin Ancajas For Decision, Retains IBF Title

BY KEITH IDEC

CARSON, California — Argentina’s Fernando Martinez proved his superiority over Jerwin Ancajas again Saturday night.

The rugged, aggressive Argentinean battered the former IBF junior bantamweight champion for much of their immediate rematch.

Martinez retained the IBF belt he won from the Filipino southpaw February 26 by winning a 12-round unanimous decision in the opener of a “Showtime Championship Boxing” tripleheader from Dignity Health Sports Park.

Judges Tiffany Clinton (118-110), Ellis Johnson (119-109) and Zachary Young (118-110) all declared Martinez a clear winner.

Martinez (15-0, 8 KOs) successfully defended the IBF 115-pound championship he won from Ancajas 7½ months ago in Las Vegas.

Ancajas (33-3-2, 22 KOs) was a 5-1 favorite entering their first bout and the second longest-reigning champion in boxing, but Martinez’s decisive victory February 26 made him almost a 3-1 favorite before their rematch.

A contractual clause obligated Martinez to grant Ancajas an immediate rematch, but Martinez handled the Pinoy with relative ease again.

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