Jerwin Ancajas vs Fernando Daniel Martinez Preview Feb. 26th, 2022
Filipino IBF Jr. Bantamweight Champion Jerwin Ancajas defends his title for the 10th time this Saturday, Feb. 26th when he takes on unbeaten Fernando Daniel Martinez of Argentina is Las Vegas. The 12-round bout can be seen in the USA on Showtime while those in Canada can catch it on TSN 5. Ancajas last fought in April when he beat Jonathan Rodriguez by unanimous decision while Martinez was last in action in August when he stopped Gonzalo Duran in the fourth round.
Ancajas vs Martinez Betting Odds
Here are the betting odds from online sportsbook BetOnline.ag (full review here).
- Fernando Martinez +400
- Jerwin Ancajas -600
My Pick
Ancajas is a 30-year-old southpaw who enters the ring at 33-1-2 with 22 Kos. He won the title via a unanimous decision over McJoe Arroyo in September, 2016. He’s also defended it against Miguel Gonzalez, Jose Alfredo Rodriguez, Teiru Kinoshita, Jamie Conlan and Israel Gonzalez by stoppage as well as Jonas Sultan by unanimous decision and Alejandro Santiago Barrios via a split-decision draw. The champ is 5-feet-6-inches tall with a 66.5-inch reach and has boxed 219 rounds since turning pro in 2009.
Before that, he enjoyed a fine amateur career by going 90-5. Since turning pro, Ancajas has also won the WBO Asia Pacific Youth Super Flyweight Title, Philippines Luzon Professional Boxing Association Bantamweight Title and the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title. He’s a skilled all-round boxer who carries enough power in his fists with a current knockout ratio of 61.1 per cent. He also has a solid chin and isn’t shy about letting his hands go.
This is Ancajas’ first fight in Las Vegas but he doesn’t have a problem with fighting in the States since he’s 11-0-1 with 8 Kos while boxing outside of his homeland. He’s not perfect though as he was beaten via a 10-round majority decision by Mark Anthony Geraldo in March of 2012 and was held to a four-round technical draw by Ervin Yamo in May, 2010. That fight had to be stopped due to a cut eye suffered by Ancajas which was caused by an accidental headbutt.
Martinez is a 30-year-old with a perfect record of 13-0 with 8 Kos. He made his pro debut in 2017 and has boxed 68 rounds since. He also has pretty good power in his fists with a current knockout ratio of 61.5 per cent. However, most of his opponents have basically been relative unknowns and this will be his first fight in America. Martinez had a good amateur career where he beat Andrew Moloney and also fought in the World Series of Boxing.
Since turning pro, Martinez has captured the vacant Argentina FAB Super Flyweight Title and the WBC Silver Super Flyweight Title. He’s taking a big step up in class this weekend as he’s never fought a legitimate contender let along a world champion. His biggest victories have been over the likes of Angel Aquino, Abel Silva, Athenkosi Dumezweni, Carlos Ruiz and Nicolas Botelli.
Prediction…
Ancajas is a fine boxer with good power but isn’t always as focused as he should be. He has a definite edge in experience against Martinez but still needs to be wary of the challenger’s power. Martinez is an unknown who hopes to surprise a few people Saturday night, including Ancajas, but I’m expecting the champion to retain his belt.
Ancajas is a class above Martinez at this point of their careers.
Play: Ancajas -600 @ BetOnline.ag
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Fernando Daniel Martinez betting • Jerwin Ancajas betting