Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines, reigning IBF super flyweight champion, has flown from California to Texas for a fourth defense of his crown this weekend.
The title bout marks his US debut, after Top Rank signed Ancajas to a three-fight deal.
Ancajas (28-1, 19 KOs) was quick to announce that his title defense against Israel Gonzalez of Mexico (21-1, 8 KOs) would be extra special.
“I still have a lot to show,” Ancajas told veteran boxing journalist Nick Giongco, who joined him in the trip.
Challenger Gonzalez happened to be on the same flight.
For the record, Ancajas has had three defenses after wresting the IBF 115-pound title from McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico in 2016. That fight was held in Taguig City.
Ancajas did not say it, but the Gonzalez fight could end up successfully as his full confirmation as a world champion.
There has been no mention of his challenger’s ranking, or full worth.
Ancajas has a higher KO rate, 19 against only eight by Gonzalez.
However, the ease with which Ancajas had disposed of his last challenger from Britain has left fans and experts wondering about his full fighting worth.
Would Gonzalez be able to deal with what could amount to a baptism of fire?
There were those who say Ancajas could be the heir to Manny Pacquiao. Ancajas fights under the MP Promotions of the eight-division fighting senator.
Ancajas, by the way, also loves to deliver punches to the body.
He said he would love to come up with a head-turning performance on Sunday, which TV5 has promised to carry live.
Latest word from his camp said Ancajas would seek out to beat the best in his world division.