By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
FOR the eighth straight time, Filipino IBF world super flyweight champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas will defend his title, an opportunity once again for the reigning champion to underscore he is a cut above the rest in the 115-pound division, one local fight analyst said.
Set to take on Mexican Jonathan Rodriguez (21-1) in the boxing event happening at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, on Nov. 3 (Manila time), Mr. Ancajas (31-1-2) looks to extend his successful defense of the title he won back in 2016.
And for Davao native Mr. Ancajas to be on top of his game without showing signs of slowing down speaks volumes of the kind of fighter that he is, said fight analyst Nissi Icasiano.
“It says a lot about Jerwin Ancajas’ staying power in his talent-filled division. Simply put, the super flyweight division is a shark tank. To hold one of the four belts in the weight class for three years proves that Ancajas is a cut above the rest,” said Mr. Icasiano in an interview, giving his take on the upcoming fight of 27-year-old Mr. Ancajas.
The analyst, however, lamented that the Filipino champion has yet to attract a big-name opponent that would give him a stern test, something he hopes Mr. Ancajas would finally get if he gets past Mr. Rodriguez.
“The current mindset of Jerwin Ancajas is to share the ring with the stalwarts at 115 pounds. It is one of the primary reasons why he is not moving up in weight, especially in today’s boxing culture where most boxers jump from one division to another,” the analyst said.
Zeroing in on the Ancajas-Rodriguez fight, Mr. Icasiano said he sees it up the alley of Mr. Ancajas and, hence, leaning towards him come fight day.
“Based on the footages that I have seen, Rodriguez is a dangerous puncher. He has heavy hands. He even sent his last opponent into the emergency room. However, he is a dead giveaway for Ancajas. His style is susceptible to Ancajas’ pesky attacks and movement. Anjacas likes to dart his foes from different angles,” said Mr. Icasiano.
The analyst though cautioned that Mr. Ancajas still has to play his cards right against Mr. Rodriguez who is very much capable of swinging the tide in his favor if allowed to have his way.
“I am favoring Jerwin Ancajas in this fight. Rodriguez is tailor-made for him. He just needs to use his speed, volume punches, and movement to wear the Mexican out. The Filipino is obviously the faster and the more technically sound pugilist between the two on paper. If Jerwin Ancajas imposes those aforementioned leverages on fight night, we could see a late stoppage win in favor of the Panabo native,” Mr. Icasiano said.
Mr. Ancajas won the International Boxing Federation world super flyweight title in September 2016, defeating McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico by unanimous decision here in Manila.
He has defended his title seven times previously, the last time against Japanese Ryuichi Funai in May this year by knockout in California.
Mr. Rodriguez, for his part, is riding a five-fight winning streak, all by knockout.
