Expect a rejuvenated and a more fueled Jerwin Ancajas when he takes on International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight champion Fernando Martinez in a much-awaited rematch on Saturday night, Oct. 7, (Sunday in Manila) at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
The Argentine boxer is set to defend his title since ending Ancajas' six-year reign last Feb. 26, scoring a convincing unanimous decision win after showing tenacity and explosiveness with his inside boxing.
While Ancajas is more motivated to reclaim the belt this time, the 31-year-old Martinez is also prepared to give fans another show to remember over the weekend.
"I'm very happy to be here. It's gonna be an all-out war again," said Martinez during the final press conference ahead of their title bout. "We're gonna put on a show and it's gonna be a great fight and the fans are gonna get exactly what they want come Saturday night."
As for Ancajas, bringing the belt back home to the Philippines is just one of the many reasons why he became motivated as no other Filipino boxer remain as a world champion since the defeat of Mark Magsayo and Nonito Donaire.
The 30-year-old Ancajas only tasted the second loss of his seasoned career with 33 wins and two draws on top of 22 knockouts.
"We'll pray for that and if God gives me the big win, it would be an honor to bring the belt back to the Philippines," said Ancajas, who held the IBF title for six strong years until Martinez played the spoiler's role.
It won't be a walk in the park for Ancajas though as he struggled against Martinez in their first encounter as the latter leveled his boxing and seemed to never lose steam until the 12th round.
Martinez, a 2016 Rio Olympian, for his part, remained unbeaten in 14 matches built on eight KOs.