MANILA, Philippines – Jerwin Ancajas has proven his punching power over the years.

From his 29 wins in his 31 professional fights (1 loss and 1 draw), the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight champion has claimed 20 victims through stoppage. 

In his 16-fight winning streak starting in 2012, Ancajas has not gone the distance in all but one bout, including 3 straight technical knockout wins in his last 3 fights.

But when he puts his IBF belt on the line against compatriot Jonas Sultan (14-3, 9 KOs) on May 27 (Philippine time) at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California, don’t expect Ancajas to prioritize a knockout.

READ: Ancajas has mixed feelings in bout vs compatriot Sultan: ‘Paano ka magsasaya?’

“Kailangan naming mag-ingat, ingat po talaga. Hindi tayo magiging kumpiyansa, doon pa rin lagi yung pokus,” Ancajas told Rappler through a Facebook call. 

(We need to be wary. We will not be overconfident and we will remain focused.)

“Hindi kami mag-iisip ng mga knockout, ang sa amin lang, kung ano ‘yung plano namin, turo ni coach, ano ‘yung game plan namin, ‘yun ang susundin namin.”

(We are not thinking about a knockout. What we will do is to follow coach and follow our game plan.) 

LOOK: Jerwin Ancajas gears up for first all-Filipino world title bout in 93 years

Before stepping on the ring, the 26-year-old pride of Panabo City has another foe to face first: losing weight.

Ancajas is trying to shed 5 more pounds to reach the 115-pound limit by Thursday night, May 24, before stepping on the scales in the weigh-in on Saturday, May 26. 

With a few more days to achieve his goal, he said he is not having problems trimming down unlike when he tried to lose weight for his title defense against Jamie Conlan in Belfast, Northern Ireland last November. 

“Kakaiba kasi wala kaming gaanong ensayuhan doon (Belfast) tapos sobrang lamig po doon, malamig ‘yung hangin, hindi ka gaano mapapagpawisan. Dito (California) po ‘pag medyo tanghali, maiinit. Malamig ‘yung hangin pero mas okay siya.”

(There are only a few places to train there in Belfast and it was extremely cold, it was difficult to sweat. Here in California, it is hot at noon. The wind is cold but it is better here.) – Rappler.com