MICHAEL Farenas made a successful ring return on Friday (Manila time) after scoring a third-round knockout over Martin Angel Martinez of Mexico in Costa Mesa, California.
The Filipino super-featherweight hardly showed any rust after a two-year absence from the ring, dominating his Mexican foe from the opening bell onwards before scoring the impressive win in the undercard of the ‘Fight Club OC.
Farenas, 32, set the tone of the match by sending Martinez to the canvas in the opening round after connecting with his signature overhand left.
“I felt very good going into this fight and it showed in my performance,” said the southpaw fight, whose last bout came in 2015 yet when he scored a third-round KO win over Khamon Vachayan of Thailand at the Elorde Sports Center in Paranaque.
“I felt I gave the fans a great show. My goal now is to get back into world title contention. I feel much stronger at this weight. I’m hoping to get back in the ring by the end of summer.”
Farenas once fought for the World Boxing Association (WBA) super-featherweight crown, but settled for a technical draw against Takashi Uchiyama after the bout was stopped in the third round after an accidental headbutt by the Filipino.
A native of Sorsogon who now resides in Foothill Ranch, California, Farenas improved his record to 42-5-4, with 34 KOs.
Martinez meanwhile, fell to 17-12-1 with 11 KOs.
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