Jerwin Ancajas relishes first title fight in Las Vegas

Reigning IBF world super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas could not be any happier that he is making the tenth defense of his world title in the so-called mecca of boxing.

Ancajas, 33-1-2 with 22 knockouts as a professional boxer, is slated to duke it out against Argentine Olympian Fernando Daniel Martinez (13-0, 8KOs) on Sunday, February 27 at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, USA.

“This is my dream, to fight here in Las Vegas. I am so happy that Martinez worked hard for this fight. As the champion [I want] a good fight,” Ancajas said.

“He motivates me to fight [because he is] an Olympic boxer. I am so excited and feeling energetic for this fight because I got this belt from McJoe Arroyo, who was also an Olympian.”

The 30-year-old Ancajas has held the world title since 2016 when he defeated McJoe Arroyo by way of unanimous decision. He won six of his last nine fights by stoppages, and plans to go for a knockout against Martinez should the opportunity present itself on fight night.

“When I was an amateur I dreamed of fighting in the Olympics, but I turned pro early. If I beat my challenger it is also like fighting in the Olympics. If I have the opportunity or an opening, I will do [go for a knockout],” stated Ancajas.

Should Ancajas triumph this weekend, he will match the late Hall of Famer Gabriel "Flash" Elorde's record of having ten successful defenses in one title reign.

—JMB, GMA News