Jerwin Ancajas wants a shot at fellow champion Estrada
FRESH from his successful title defense of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight title, Filipino champion Jerwin Ancajas is now eyeing possible bouts against top fighters in his division, including versus fellow champ Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico.
Speaking at the media conference hosted for him by the Games and Amusements Board on Wednesday, Mr. Ancajas shared that there is nothing definite yet on when his next fight will be and against who, but given the opportunity, he would like to battle Mr. Estrada, the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) champion.
“Even before I became a champion, I was already following his career; watching his fights. Now I have a chance to fight them (top fighters in the division) and I want to take a shot at them,” said Mr. Ancajas in Filipino.
The IBF champion recently came back to the country after successfully defending his title for the ninth time against Mexican Jonathan Javier Rodriguez by unanimous decision on April 11 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
It is something the Davao del Norte native Ancajas (32-2) looks to build on in trying to further solidify his standing as a champion in the sport.
But while he wants to face Mr. Estrada (42-3), the Filipino champion admits that at least for this year, a unification bout against any of the other champions might be hard to set up, but he is still not losing hope just as he said that he will welcome any fighter who will pitted against him.
“Maybe this year, a unification fight might not happen because the other champions have their own schedules and have something lined up. But from our end, whether it is Estrada or any fighter, we will just train and be ready when called up,” Mr. Ancajas said.
Team Ancajas said it is looking at a September return to action.
ASIAN ELITE TILT MOVED
Meanwhile, in other boxing news, the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) announced on Wednesday that the Asian Elite Men and Women Boxing Championships have been moved to the United Arab Emirates, capital of Dubai from May 21-June 1.
Originally set to take place in New Delhi, India, the boxing event was forced out because of the massive surge in coronavirus cases in said country.
Filipino boxers were eyeing to see action in the championships as part of their preparation for big international tournaments this year, including the Olympic Games, but were forced to rethink over health and safety concerns.
But the ABAP said it is now looking at reconsidering its decision since the boxing tilt will now be held in Dubai.
“We will make that determination in a few days,” said ABAP secretary-general Ed Picson.
Currently, most of the elite national boxers are in Muaklek, Thailand, in a joint training camp with the Thai national boxing team. They have been in Thailand since March 10 of this year. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
