Historic title defense for Ancajas
LEMUEL P. MAGLINTE
IBF super flwyeight champion JerwinAncajas will defend his title on April 14 against countryman Jonas Sultan, the first time two Filipinos will clash for a world title in almost a century.
Ancajas will take on Sultan, the mandatory challenger for his title, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
“Yes po, tuloy na tuloy na po (Yes, the fight is really a go),” Ancajas’ chief handler Joven Jimenez told Philstar.com in a text message.
However, ALA Promotions President and CEO Michael Aldeguer, who handles Sultan's career, said no contract has been signed yet.
"We are still discussing the details (of the fight). No contracts have been signed yet. Hope to finalize it," said Aldeguer.
Once the deal wil be sealed, this will be the first time in over 90 years that two Filipinos will clash for a world title. The last instance was on May 2, 1925, when boxing great Francisco Guilledo, popularly known as “Pancho Villa,” defended his flyweight crown against Clever Sencio in Manila.
“Magandang laban po ‘to (This will be a great fight),” said Jimenez, adding that they won’t take the ALA Promotions-handled Sultan lightly.
The 26-year-old Ancajas (29-1-1, 20KOs) seeks to further build on the momentum of his rousing US debut just last month when he knocked out Israel Vazquez in his fourth title defense. It was the first of the Cavite Citybased boxer’s three-fight deal with Top Rank Inc.
Ancajas has been staying in shape at his “Survival Camp” training base in Magallanes, Cavite, in anticipation of a call-up for a title defense.
International matchmaker Sean Gibbons, who represents Ancajas, is reportedly on his way to Manila to formally announce the fight.
For his part, Sultan (14-3, with 9KOs) earned the right to challenge Ancajas after outpointing fellow Filipino and former IBF flyweight titlist John Riel Casimero last year.
Jimenez said they are wary of the Cebu-based Sultan’s knockout power.
“Malakas po ang suntok niya at magaling po (Sultan punches hard and he’s good),” he said. —