Ernesto Saulong hopes to follow Jerwin Ancajas’ path to success when he challenges Ryosuke Iwasa for the International Boxing Federation junior featherweight crown at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on March 1.
His morale boosted by the fourth successful IBF junior bantamweight title defense of stable mate Ancajas in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Feb. 4, Saulong said the fight plan is up for execution against the southpaw Japanese champion.
According to head trainer Joven Jimenez, who trains both Saulong and Ancajas at their Survival Camp in Brgy. Ramirez, Magallanes in Cavite, there are loopholes in Iwasa’s defense which they intend to pounce on.
“He (Saulong) must cut the ring and fight at close range to negate Iwasa’s height and reach advantage,” Jimenez said in Filipino. “He will target the body.”
With Iwata’s reputation as a stylist, Jimenez expects him to move a lot and avoid a slugfest despite being the heavier puncher based on record, 16 knockouts in 24 wins and two losses.
Saulong, who hails from Occidental Mindoro and resides in Santa Rosa, Laguna, totes a 21-2-1 slate with eight KOs and is ready to go the full 12 rounds.
The 28-year-old Saulong will be accompanied by Jimenez and his manager, engineer-businessman Ariel Araja, when he leaves for Tokyo this Sunday. —ROY LUARCA