Eumir Marcial wins 3rd professional fight, Ancajas fails to reclaim title in Carson fights
TOKYO OLYMPICS MEDALIST Eumir Marcial is declared winner against his American opponent in their bout in Carson, California
CARSON, California/MANILA – Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial showed better all-around skills and punching power to shut out American Steven Pichardo, 60-54, in their middleweight encounter on October 8 (Sunday, October 9, Philippine time) at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Shrugging off a deep cut above his right eye, caused by an accidental headbutt in the second round, Marcial posted his third straight victory with one knockout in the pro ranks, according to a Rappler report.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) immediately hailed Marcial for winning his third professional boxing match in California.
In the same Carson fight cards, Argentina’s IBF junior bantamweight champion Fernando Martinez (15-0, 8 KO’s) defeated former world champion Jerwin Ancajas (33-3-2, 22 KO’s) of the Philippines in their rematch going the distance.
Reports from the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson indicated that Martinez and Ancajas came out swinging, going at each other in the opening round as this fight appeared to begin where it left off the last time.
The aggressiveness from the Flipino appeared to get the better of Martinez as he was momentarily staggered in the second from an Ancajas counter but he continued to go at the Ancajas and fight on.
Ancajas landed a low blow in the third as Martinez attacked but the referee did not catch it. Staying close and on top, Martinez pressed in the fourth as Ancajas boxed and countered, later in the round a vicious exchange from the two in closing the round.
Martinez appeared to have a cut on his left eye from a clash of heads, going into the fifth round as he continued to press the bouncy southpaw Ancajas.
Staying aggressive in the eighth, Martinez landed the big punches as Ancajas was limited and appeared tired.
Ancajas urged Martinez to trade in the twelfth and final round, however things got a little rough as Martinez shoved Ancajas to the ropes, a few seconds later Martinez connected with a series of big punches as he continued to press on to the final bell
After twelve hard fought rounds, the judges scored the fight 119-109, 118-110, and 118-110 and Fernando Martinez retained his IBF title. (Claire Morales True)
