There will be a repackaged Jerwin Ancajas—cunning and cautious with none of the goof in his last two fights—when he makes a seventh defense of the IBF super flyweight title in Stockton, California, Sunday morning.
Expect the acquired flair and flamboyance. But Ancajas, 27, should come recharged and with full focus against top challenger Ryuichi Funai of Japan.
No odds have been pegged for the companion mainer in Stockton, but as the defending champion, Ancajas, 27, has been given the edge against the Japanese top contender.
Ancajas has made a total of six title defenses since wresting the IBF 115-pounds (lb) from McJoe Arroye of Puerto Rico in Taguig City three years ago.
He proceeded to conduct his affairs like a full-fledged celebrity, but his popularity dipped seriously following his last fight last September. A big favorite, Ancajas was forced to a silly draw by the shorter Alejandro Santiago Barrios of Mexico.
“I’m not happy with the result of my last fight, but we did different things to be a hundred percent this time,” Ancajas said.
He said he trained hard, and will be ready to make adjustments as the fight progresses.
Funai, 31, is on a hot streak, winning his last 14 fights, the final three bouts reportedly by knockout. He has a record of 31-7, with 22 knockouts.
There were suspicions Ancajas, 30-1-2, with 20 KOs, could’ve grown too big for his division.
The repeated delays in his seventh defense could actually be a result of a stricter regimen that had Ancajas relocating from the Magallanes camp in Cavite to the seaside Marines facility in Ternate.
His chief handler Joven Jimenez bared Ancajas had himself opted for solitary training.
Based on scouting reports, the title bout promises to be a slug out as Funai is a come-forward warrior.
“I have a strong heart, and I will be aggressive,” Funai vowed.
Jimenez said Ancajas could gun for a stoppage but will not just jump in for the kill.
There’s a problem. Ancajas could get carried away in his first nationally televised title defense.
The stellar card in Stockton will be carried on ABS-CBN starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Ancajas should work hard and concentrate on the fight. He could attend to his hairdo once he’s done with his tough title defense.