Jerwin Ancajas primed for bigger challenges
THIS weekend Filipino world boxing champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas takes what has been a successful professional boxing career to another plane as he makes his United States debut, staking his International Boxing Federation junior bantamweight title.
His first fight under Top Rank Boxing, the Panabo City native Ancajas (28-1-1, 19 KOs) will face off with Mexican Israel Gonzalez (21-1) in the scheduled 12-rounder at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, in what is Mr. Ancajas’ fourth defense of the title he won in September of 2016.
Mr. Ancajas’s US debut is being viewed with much significance, particularly how well-deserved of an opportunity it is for a fighter like him, who is being considered as a “consummate” boxer.
“Jerwin Ancajas has the typical backstory of a boxer. But aside from the desire to have a good life through boxing, everyone seems to forget that he is a boxer who is willing to face anyone,” said local fight analyst Nissi Icasiano when asked by BusinessWorld for his thoughts on Mr. Ancajas’ journey as a fighter and his upcoming fight.
“In the culture of boxing today, most boxers in this era have become businessmen. What makes Jerwin Ancajas different is he is determined to find out up to what degree his potential and talent will bring him. He is willing to contend with whoever he is made to face,” he added.
The analyst went on to say that Mr. Ancajas’ first fight in the US should only bode well for him and enhance some more his standing as possibly the next biggest thing in Philippine boxing.
“Jerwin’s bout in the States gives him the opportunity to showcase his talent on a bigger platform with a wider audience. If he wins, a bigger opportunity awaits him on his next fight,” said Mr. Icasiano.
“He rightly deserves everything that is falling on his lap. In his title fight against McJoe Arroyo in 2016, he did not receive a standard pay grade for a world championship bout. He shrugged this off because he knew a bigger future beckons and which is now very evident. If his performance is outstanding in his debut on US soil, more avenues will open to him. I don’t see any difficulty in promoting Jerwin because he is the perfect combo. He is willing to take all comers, and he has an explosive style in the ring. He is the perfect formula for promoters and broadcasters,” the analyst added.
As for the fight itself against Mexican Gonzalez, Mr. Icasiano said he sees the Filipino champion posing problems for his opponent and, thus, giving him the edge.
“Jerwin Ancajas is a complicated lefty for Israel Gonzalez to handle. Jerwin steps up his game every time he steps in the ring. Most significant improvement that I see in Jerwin is his ability to take time to break and wear down his opponent before going for the finish. Even though I expect Jerwin to be successful, Israel Gonzalez is the perfect dance partner to prepare him if he and his team intend to join HBO’s second installment of ‘ Superfly’ this year,” Mr. Icasiano said.
The Ancajas- Gonzalez title fight, the first of what is a threefight deal the Filipino signed with Top Rank Boxing, will be broadcast live over ESPN5 on Sunday, Feb. 4, starting at 10 a.m.