HAVING BEEN one at one point in his career, International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas knows too well the mind-set of a challenger and, hence, not taking anything for granted and mindful not to get overconfident when he treks back to the ring and defend his title.
On Feb. 4 (Manila time), the pride of Panabo City will stake his IBF crown for the fourth time against Mexican challenger Israel Gonzalez in Corpus Christi, Texas.
It will mark the first time that Mr. Ancajas (28-1-1, 19 KOs) will fight in the United States, making the latest title defense all the more significant.
But while Mr. Ancajas is basking in the opportunity to fight on a bigger stage and showcase what he can do as a fighter to more people, he is fully aware as well that he should not just focus on that and overlook the threat that Mr. Gonzalez (21-1) presents.
“This fight presents a different challenge for me as it is going to be my first fight in the United States which we are thankful for. But we know it is just the start and that we have to deal with, and defeat Gonzalez, to make it a success,” said Mr. Ancajas in an interview with BusinessWorld.
“I know my opponent will come in prepared. I was a challenger once and I know every challenger wants to win. And I heard he is really working hard to get the championship from me,” he added.
Entering the fight, 26-year-old Ancajas had a banner 2017 where he defended the IBF junior bantamweight title three successful times.
Following his victory over Puerto Rican McJoe Arroyo in September 2016 that made him champion, Mr. Ancajas cast aside Mexican Jose Alfredo Rodriguez (January 2017), Japanese Teiru Kinoshita (July) and British Jamie Conlan (November) to stay on top.
His impressive string of victories, which currently runs at 15, has channeled much focus on Mr. Ancajas as a fighter, something he admits that puts pressure on him but nonetheless serves as a motivation to do his best each time.
“They say I’m the next big thing in Philippine boxing and definitely there is pressure in that. But I’m determined to live up to the expectations by working hard and showing good results in the ring,” Mr. Ancajas said.
Mr. Ancajas is set to leave today for California to do a presser and train before pushing to Texas and settle there before his fight.
The Ancajas-Gonzalez title fight, the first of what is a three-fight deal the Filipino signed with Top Rank Boxing, happens at the American Bank Center and will be broadcast live over ESPN5. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
