Ancajas gets promotion as world title unification collision vs Estrada looms

MANILA, Philippines – A rank promotion, a coveted award, and a probable unification title duel with Juan Francisco Estrada later this year.

The blessings are pouring in for Jerwin Ancajas.

Following his seventh round conquest of Japanese Ryuichi Funai in his seventh defense of the International Boxing Federation super flyweight crown last Saturday, May 4, (Sunday, May 5, Philippine time), Ancajas was given a plaque of recognition by the Philippine Navy on Tuesday, May 28. 

Ancajas was promoted from Chief Petty Officer to Master Chief Petty Officer in the Naval reserves.

After the ceremonies, Ancajas bared that the camp of Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada, the World Boxing Council super flyweight champion, had reached for a unification crown showdown.

Ancajas is thinking in the same line but is leaving everything concerning his next opponent and the fight date to international matchmaker and MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons, who attended the morning ceremony at Acero Hall in Fort Bonifacio with Joven Jimenez, Ancajas’ trainer.

In an earlier interview, Gibbons said Bob Arum, top honcho of Top Rank Inc which owns the right to two more Ancajas fights, has chosen unbeaten Australian Andrew Moloney to be Ancajas’ next foe in September.

Moloney (19-0, 12 KOs), however, has to dispose of Mexican Ruben Montoya (14-5-1) first on June 15 to secure a clash with Ancajas.

Estrada (39-3, 26 KOs), who wrested the crown from Thai legend Srisaket Sur Rungvisai, has called out Ancajas after the pride of Panabo City dominated Funai at Stockton Arena.

If both camps come into agreement, Gibbons said the fight will likely happen before the year ends.

According to Jimenez, they’re ready to tangle with anybody chosen by Arum and Gibbons and will start their conditioning program in early June. For now, Ancajas is still on training break.

Ancajas, Jimenez, and Gibbons will go to Macau on Wednesday, May 29, as Ancajas will receive the IBF’s highest award – Jersey Joe Walcott – on Thursday, May 30, during the Annual Awards Banquet of the IBF 36th Annual Convention at Wynn Palace Cotai. – Rappler.com