IBF super flyweight world champion Fernando Martinez retained his belt from the man he had to beat in order to earn that achievement in Jerwin Ancajas by way of a 12-round unanimous decision to start the Showtime Championship Boxing card this past Saturday. That said, Martinez is already looking for the next big fight - not just any fight.
“This was about validating the first fight,” said Martinez after the fight. “I trained very hard for this fight. I have a lot of people to thank, but most importantly this is for my dad up in heaven. It’s definitely harder to maintain the hunger and retain the title, but now we’re going after ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez and everyone else in the division who’s in my way.”
Anacajas was the longest reigning world champion in his division, and a win over him put him in the upper echelon of a division that has champions; such as Juan Francisco Estrada, Joshua Franco, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, to name a few of the modern greats.
I could give you stats, but that would be a disservice. The fight was fun, because both fighters threw with conviction, and the work rate of Martinez, who was undeterred eventually overwhelmed Ancajas who started strong.
“My record shows that I’m a champion but it doesn’t show the intensity that I have in my fights,” said Martinez. “Now I can buy the house that my mother needs.”
It is clear from his post-fight quotes, Martinez is targeting Roman Gonzalez or anyone else with a big name in the division. It is always interesting to see a new face in a division, and with Martinez’s exciting style, he is a welcomed addition to the boxing landscape.
