FORMER world title challenger Michael “Hammer Fist” Farenas ended his two-year hiatus with a knockout victory against Mexican journeyman Martin Angel Martinez last Thursday evening in Costa Mesa, California, USA.
Farenas floored Martinez at the 2:04 mark of the third round after launching a barrage of punches that was way too much to handle for the Mexican.
Farenas actually decked Martinez twice. He downed Martinez in the first round by connecting a left overhand to the head.
The 33-year-old Sorsogon native, who is now based in the United States, improved his record to 42 wins, 34 by knockouts, along with five losses and four draws.
Martinez, who once fought in Cebu City against Jimrex Jaca, suffered his 12th loss. He has 17 wins, 11 by knockouts, and a single draw.
Farenas’ last bout was in 2015 against Vachayan Khamom of Thailand, which he won via knockout at the Elorde Sports Center in Metro Manila.
He became a world title contender when he fought for the WBA world super featherweight title against Japanese Takasshi Uchiyama on 2012 in Japan but lost via technical decision. He tried to bounce back months later by fighting former world champion Yoriorkis Gamboa in an epic 12-round showdown held in MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas for the interim WBA world super featherweight strap but lost by unanimous decision.