Ancajas looks to make most of ‘huge’ chance
Being in undercard of the ‘Battle of Brisbane’
INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation junior bantamweight titleholder Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas has competed in big fights in his successful career but none could be bigger to date than what he is set to experience this weekend and is looking to make the most of it.
Part of the card for the “Battle of Brisbane” happening in Australia on Sunday and featuring the title bout between Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and hometown bet Jeff Horn, Mr. Ancajas said he is honored to be fighting in such a high- profile event and its significance is not lost to him.
Twenty-five-year-old Ancajas (26-1-1) will make his second title defense of his IBF belt, taking on Japanese Teiru Kinoshita at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The Davao del Norte native is currently riding a 13-fight winning streak and is angling to extend it to highlight his standing as a topclass champion Filipino fighter.
“This is the first time I’m part of the undercard/co-main event of Sir Manny Pacquiao and have 55,000 fans watching. It’s truly an honor and I’m looking forward to defending my crown for the second straight time,” said Mr. Ancajas in a short online correspondence with
BusinessWorld last Wednesday. In his first title defense of his IBF belt in January this year, Mr. Ancajas beat Mexico’s Jose Alfredo Rodriguez by way of an eighth-round technical knockout in a match that saw him lorded it over his opponent.
He ascended to the IBF junior bantamweight throne in September last year when he seized the title over erstwhile champion McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico by unanimous decision.
For Battle of Brisbane, Mr. Ancajas said he is expecting no less than a tough challenge from veteran Kinoshita, winner of his last six fights.
“Teiru is a very good fighter and very durable and I respect him. I’m sure he is going to use his experience against me and I see us going toe- to- toe come fight day,” said Mr. Ancajas of Mr. Kinoshita, 31, who has professional record of 25-1-1
“But I believe in my capabilities and being able to successfully defend my title for a second time. I’m proud to represent the Philippines and I hope my countrymen will support me all the way,” he added.
Apart from Messrs. Pacquiao and Ancajas, another Filipino fighter seeing action in Brisbane on Sunday is super lightweight Jonel Dapidran who will take on Australian Brent Dames.