Jonas Sultan. Photo by Mark Giongco/INQUIRER.net
Trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor believes his ward Jonas Sultan has the advantage in speed and power against Jerwin Ancajas in their all-Filipino showdown for the IBF super flyweight title.
Sultan emerged as the mandatory challenger to Ancajas’ belt after he upset compatriot Johnriel Casimero, a two-division champion, by unanimous decision six months ago in Cebu.
“I think Jonas is stronger and faster than Jerwin,” Villamor told INQUIRER.net in Filipino Sunday during the 18th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Boxing Awards and Banquet of Champions at Okada Manila.
Villamor also said Sultan (14-3, 9 KOs) has faced stiffer competition than Ancajas (29-1-1, 20 KOs) in comparing the two fighters’ last four fights.
“Jerwin’s last four fights were not so tough. Jonas’ past four fights, on the other hand, two of those were against Jaro and Casimero and when you compare them, Jonas had the tougher competition,” said Villamor, referring to Sonny Boy Jaro, who is a former world champion.
The bout between Ancajas and Sultan marks the first time two Filipinos will be fighting for a world title since the great Pancho Villa beat Clever Sencio in 1925.
The fight was originally scheduled on April 14 in Las Vegas as part of the undercard of the Terence Crawford-Jeff Horn main event, but was postponed after Crawford injured his right hand during sparring.
Villamor said the duel will happen sometime in May or June and will likely take place in either California or Las Vegas.
He added the change in schedule favored the opposing camp.
“Jonas is ready to fight on April 14, but I know that the other camp isn’t ready yet in terms of Ancajas’ conditioning.”
The 26-year-old Sultan shrugged off any pressure heading into his first world title fight.
“This is the biggest fight of my career because this is for a world championship and this will also go down in history,” he said. “I’m used to fighting other Filipinos and I am determined to win because this is the chance that I’ve been waiting for.”
“This is going to be an exciting fight. This is going to be a great fight from bell to bell and we’re going to put on a show.”