Philippines, 14 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Can Jade shine like a gem?


PhilBoxing.com



Jade Bornea.

It won’t be long now before No. 1 contender Jade Bornea of Cotabato del Norte gets the chance to avenge Jerwin Ancajas’ twin losses to IBF superflyweight champion Fernando Martinez of Argentina as a ruling may be made soon by the governing body to order a mandatory defense early next year.

MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons disclosed that Bornea should’ve been Martinez’ first challenger but a $20,000 exception fee was paid for Ancajas to exercise the option for a rematch. Ancajas lost the IBF crown to Martinez last February and failed to regain the throne in a rematch last week. Bornea witnessed the rematch at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson City, Los Angeles county and said if given the opportunity, he’ll bring the title back to the Philippines.

“Jade fights like Manny Pacquiao,” said Gibbons. “He’s 27, younger than both Jerwin and Martinez. Jade has the power to back up Martinez who’s relentless like Marcos Maidana, his promoter. Styles make fights and Martinez has a style that Jerwin couldn’t figure out. I take the blame for matching them up. Martinez was a choice challenger when he took the title from Jerwin. As a volume guy, Martinez throws a lot of punches so the key is stop him in his tracks and Jade can do it.”

Bornea trains with coaches Ernel Fontanilla and Ting (Sugar) Ariosa in Los Angeles. “Jade can move like Sugar Ray Leonard and also box like Manny,” said Ariosa, the Philippine boxing coach at the 1984 Olympics. “Jade has the patience and focus to hit without getting hit like Floyd Mayweather. He works smartly every day, listening and learning from his coaches. We’re praying that the IBF orders Martinez to defend against Jade sooner than later. We’ll be ready.” Both Martinez and Bornea are unbeaten.

Ariosa explained that Bornea has the ability to frustrate a raging bull like Martinez. “The kind of pressure that Martinez brings is disturbed by making him miss, making him frustrated as he leads with a punch or counters after he gets hit then Jade will make him pay by countering his counters,” said Ariosa. “Jade is very good in striking long distance and he’s very strong in delivering body shots during in-fighting. When Jade is in top mental, physical and spiritual shape, he can make Martinez look like he doesn’t know how to fight.”


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
    , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
    By Dong Secuya, , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • 3 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Shark attack in Florida Marco “El Tiburón” Romero Making waves on Feb. 19
    , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • 19-1 Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga returns on February 21 to Atlantic City
    , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Women's Team and Squad Rosters Announced
    , Tue, 10 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.