ONE of the more “low-key” Filipino world boxing champions today, Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas looks to gain more worldwide prominence as he makes his third defense of his International Boxing Federation world junior bantamweight title this weekend in Belfast, Ireland.
To take on hometown bet Jamie “Irish Gatti” Conlan on Nov. 18 at the SSE Arena, the 25-year-old Ancajas is out to make it three straight successful defenses of the title he won last year while showcasing his abilities as a champion fighter to more people and areas.
“This is an important fight for me like my previous ones. But this time I want to showcase more what I can do as a fighter as far as my skills and mind-set,” said the Panabo City native in an interview with local sportswriters in the run-up to his fight this weekend.
“I’m going for an impressive win,” added Mr. Ancajas.
Entering the contest, Mr. Ancajas, who has not lost since 2012, is fresh from his conquest of Japanese challenger Teiru Kinoshita in their title fight in July in Brisbane, Australia.
In said fight, Mr. Ancajas (27-1-1) stopped his opponent in the seventh round by way of technical knockout from a solid body blow.
It is something that the Filipino champion hopes to take cue from as he battles unbeaten Conlan (19-0) at the latter’s home turf at that.
“I know against Conlan I’m going to have a tough fight, more so because the crowd will be behind him,” said Mr. Ancajas.
“But fighting in enemy territory is no different to me. I just have to stick with my game plan and follow my coaches’ instructions. I need to stay focused and be aggressive,” he said.
Mr. Ancajas became world champion on Sept. 3, 2016 after beating Puerto Rican McJoe Arroyo for the IBF World Junior Bantamweight crown.
He made first title defense on Jan. 29, defeating Jose Alfredo Rodriguez of Mexico before salvaging Filipino pride in July as part of the Manny Pacquiao versus Jeff Horn clash. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
