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MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Filipino boxer Jerwin Ancajas outboxed and outslugged Puerto Rico’s McJoe Arroyo to win the IBF junior bantamweight title on Saturday, September 3 at the Philippine Navy Gym in Taguig City, Philippines.
Ancajas (25-1-1, 16 knockouts) of Panabo City, Davao del Norte, Philippines used his right jab to set the rhythm in the first two rounds, and scored a knockdown in round 8 to win a unanimous decision over Arroyo (17-1, 8 KOs) of Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The scores were 118-109 115-112 and 117-110.
“When he established his jab in the first round, I saw he will win,” said Ancajas’ trainer Joven Jimenez.
Afterwards, Arroyo, who hadn’t fought since winning the title in July of 2015, said he felt out of rhythm and was reduced to trying to brawl with Ancajas, who at 23 is 7 years his junior. Arroyo’s camp did not protest the decision.
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Ancajas had accepted just $3,750 of the $25,000 minimum purse bid for the fight, but wasn’t concerned about the purse as he felt he could make more money defending the title. Arroyo made $21,250 as champion.
“I’m so thankful that I won this fight. I hope in my next fight I’ll be able to make more,” said Ancajas.
Ancajas had dedicated the fight to his home province of Davao, which was devastated by an explosion last night which left scores dead.
“Despite what happened last night I hope I could inspire a bit of happiness because of this win,” said Ancajas.
Ancajas said it wasn’t his call who he fought next, but rather it was that of Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions. Trainer Joven Jimenez is looking to the biggest possible fight – a showdown with The Ring magazine’s pound for pound champion Roman Gonzalez, who is moving up in weight to the 115 pound division, where Ancajas is now one of the champions.
“We want Roman Gonzalez. Our goal is Roman Gonzalez. Me and Jerwin always talk about Roman Gonzalez,” said Jimenez.
The win makes 4 current Filipino boxing champions, joining WBO bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales, WBO junior featherweight champion Nonito Donaire Jr and IBF flyweight champ Johnriel Casimero. – Rappler.com
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