Ancajas to defend IBF super fly title on Sept. 14 in US

Trainer Joven Jimenez, IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, center, and matchmaker Sean Gibbons. Photo by Mark Giongco/INQUIRER.net

KUALA LUMPUR — Rising Filipino boxing star Jerwin Ancajas is set for another title defense in the US this year.

Ancajas will defend his IBF super flyweight title for the sixth time overall on September 14 in Fresno, California for the second straight time.

Sean Gibbons, international matchmaker based in Las Vegas, said Ancajas will face either Alejandro Santiago of Mexico or Miguel Gonzalez of Chile.

Here’s matchmaker Sean Gibbons announcing Jerwin Ancajas’ next fight earlier during a lunch with media: | @MarkGiongcoINQ pic.twitter.com/Mk4RtyxG10

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It’s been a busy year for Ancajas, who had already fought twice, stopping Mexican Israel Gonzalez in the 10th round in February before dominating fellow Filipino Jonas Sultan in May.

The 26-year-old Ancajas said he’s been keeping in shape since his fight against Sultan and that conditioning won’t be a problem for him with less than two months before his next bout.

”We’re always ready. Coach Joven (Jimenez) and I make sure that we’re always training so that I’m always in shape,” said Ancajas in Filipino on Friday during a lunch with the media at Le Meridien Hotel.

Ancajas said he’s ready for either opponent but Gibbons sees a more appealing fight with Santiago than Gonzalez due to the longstanding Philippines-Mexico rivalry in the ring.

”He’s a very tough fighter from Tijuana, very hungry,” he said.