Jerwin Ancajas already proved his worth as one of the best boxers in the 115-lbs being a long-time IBF junior-bantamweight champion himself.
Despite an illustrious boxing career, Ancajas has yet to compete in one of the most famous venues for fight nights -- Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Filipino champion is just a week away from achieving one of his dreams of holding a match in Las Vegas when he defends his IBF belt against Argentine challenger Fernando Daniel Martinez at The Cosmopolitan on Feb. 26.
"Nung nalaman ko na makakalaban ako dito sa Las Vegas, napakasaya ko po. Siguro bawat boksingero sa Pilipinas pinangarap na makalaban sa Las Vegas at ngayon po nabigyan po ako ng pagkakatao na makalaban dito (I'm very happy when I knew that my next fight would be in Las Vegas. It's every boxers' dream to compete in Las Vegas and I was fortunate enoough to be given this chance)," said Ancajas in a recent of episode of Power and Play with former PBA commissioner Noli Eala.
"Talagang excited po ako kasi isa rin pong pangarap na matupad ang makalaban dito sa Las Vegas at sana po mapakita ko po 'yong best ko (I'm really excited because this is one of my dreams, to be able to fight in Las Vegas and I hope I can show my best form)," added the southpaw champion, who has 33 wins, two draws, and one loss.
Ancajas made his debut fight on US soil when he retained his IBF title for the fourth time in Texas against Israel Gonzales of Mexico in February 2018.
The Davao del Norte native boxer also made successful title defenses thrice in California, Connecticut, and Mexico.
Ancajas' bout against Martinez marks his 10th straight title defense since capturing the belt in September 2016 in the Philippines against Puerto Rican foe McJoe Arroyo.
Against Martinez, Ancajas will be facing an undefeated amateur standout who competed in the men's flyweight division of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Martinez is unbeaten in 13 matches with eight knockouts.
"Bihasa siya sa amateur. 'Yong amateur background niya magaling (He has good amateur boxing background)," said Ancajas of Martinez. "Kaya 'di tayo magkumpyansa kasi magaling sa amateur, kahit na kaunti pa laban niya sa professional pero nahubog po siya sa amateur career niya (There's no room for complacency because he's good in his amateur days).
"Nakita natin nagdayo din siya sa ibang lugar na tinalo niya pa 'yong mga champion kaya 'di tayo magkumpyansa kasi kita natin 'yong ibang videos niya, pumapasok at walang takot (He also went to different countries and defeated champions there. I also saw his old videos and he really comes forward and isn't afraid to trade punches)."