MINNEAPOLIS — It’s been a long nine years since Jade Borneo turned pro, a steep climb many in the fight business go through as a rite of passage.
But the moment to win a world championship belt and help define his legacy arrives on Saturday night (Sunday AM in Manila) at The Armory in Minneapolis where he challenges IBF junior bantamweight champion Fernando Martinez.
“I’ve worked hard for this opportunity,” the 28-year-old Bornea told reporters at the final presser leading up to the weigh-in on Friday.
Martinez (15-0, 8 KOs) will be a tough customer, but Bornea has knockout power as manifested by his unbeaten 16-0 record with 12 stoppages. The 5-foot-4 Filipino from General Santos by way of Cotabato also has a wealth of experience as a former national fighter.
Also, the card promoted by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) is a familiar name in Philippine boxing.
Jerwin Ancajas.
The 31-year-old Ancajas carved his name in the sport as the former IBF junior bantamweight champion, a reign that lasted five years and nine title defenses.
As shown by his two defeats to Martinez, Borneo’s foe, it had become evident that Ancajas (33-3-2, 22 KOs) has outgrown the division and is moving up to the bantamweight division.
Ancajas squares up against Wiler Soto (22-12,5 KOs) of Columbia. A win puts Jerwin in a position to challenge reigning WBA title holder Takuma Inoue for what is seen as a lucrative fight in Japan.
