Jerwin Ancajas could have been spared of losing to Martinez if he moved up in weight – analyst

Veteran boxing analyst Ed Tolentino is convinced that Jerwin Ancajas could have avoided suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of Fernando Martinez if only he moved up in weight.

The 30-year-old Ancajas suffered two straight defeats via unanimous decision against the now IBF world super flyweight champion Martinez in February and most recently last weekend.

Though Ancajas finished the fight on his feet, he nevertheless looked exhausted in both fights which were primarily attributed to him needing to cut his weight to 115 pounds.

"How I wish this was not a problem anymore if he moved up in weight. I have been telling everybody even before this fight there were signs that Jerwin is overused at 115 pounds. This guy reigned as champion for six years and had ten title defenses," Tolentino told Sparring Sessions LIVE.

"Against Jonathan Rodriguez in 2021 he had a good start then he faded so Rodriguez almost caught up. That was the risk he took. Yes, professional enough to meet 115 pounds, but what happens later? He has the body to accommodate the extra weight."

Prior to the rematch, Ancajas' trainer and manager Joven Jimenez urged his prizefighter to climb another weight class. In the end, however, Ancajas decided to give the super flyweight division one more try especially since he has a rematch clause in his contract.

"He was drained in this weight class (115 pounds) which should have not been a problem. He could have been spared from this. It was a risk that backfired. Kudos to PSC for helping Jerwin but this should have not been an issue had he moved up in weight," Tolentino said.

—MGP, GMA News