Jerwin Ancajas keeps IBF title after split draw

Ancajas vs Santiago. Photo from Top Rank Twitter

Filipino boxing star Jerwin Ancajas settled for a split draw against Alejandro Santiago of Mexico Saturday (Manila time) at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

Ancajas retained his IBF super flyweight belt in his sixth title defense since winning the crown following a unanimous decision victory over McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico two years ago.

One judge had it 116-112 for Ancajas while the other scored it 118-111 for Santiago and the third saw it dead even at 114.

The 26-year-old Ancajas was the much taller fighter but Santiago proved to be a tough nut to crack.

Santiago was feisty and unfazed as he willingly exchanged with Ancajas, who picked it up in the latter part of the bout.

Santiago’s best round came in the fourth where he landed a couple of power shots that had Ancajas backing up.

Ancajas used his jab and an effective straight but Santiago kept coming.