Analyst likens Jerwin Ancajas' next opponent to Rocky Balboa

Veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino sees glimpses of fictional Hollywood character Rocky Balboa in Jerwin Ancajas’ next opponent Fernando Daniel Martinez.

Ancajas (33-1-2, 22KOs) is slated to defend his IBF world super flyweight world title for the tenth time against the Argentinian Olympian this Sunday, February 27 (Manila time time) at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, USA.

“Usually an Olympic boxer has a grasp of good fundamentals, but this one is like a Rocky Balboa as if he did not go through the amateurs. He is unbeaten using his reckless aggression style so it would be hard to convince him to tighten his punches,” said Tolentino.

“When he throws that right Ancajas will counter with a left straight. When Ancajas throws a jab first, he can make Martinez take a backward step. He is really not refined, but that is the style that got him a 13-0 record.”

Confident that Ancajas has the style to make yet another successful title defense, the respected boxing expert predicts that the upcoming bout would not go the distance.

“Ancajas can fade in the later stages especially when the opponent gives constant pressure because I do believe he may no longer be comfortable at 115. Still, I think Ancajas can exploit [Martinez's weaknesses] in this fight. I don't think it goes to the seventh round.”

—JMB, GMA News