Filipino boxing champ Jerwin Ancajas is looking to continue his way to big-time boxing when he squares off with challenger Ryuichi Funai Saturday evening (Sunday in Manila) in Stockton, California.
Possessing an equal amount sharpness and form, Ancajas will try to prove he’s got what it takes to become the next Filipino boxing star next only to his idol Manny Pacquiao.
But it got derailed by back-to-back lackluster performances where the 27-year-old Cavite native (31-1-2 with 20 knockouts) failed to show a fighting heart worthy of the big stage.
He tipped the scale at 114.2 lbs, while the Japanese weighed 114.4 lbs, well within the IBF world super flyweight ceiling during Friday’s official weigh-in.
The 33-year-old Funai, who hails from Tokyo, has a 31-7-0 with 20 KOs going into the fight slated at Stockton Arena.
Funai is fighting for the world title for the first time. Though he stands two inches taller than the Filipino at 5-foot-8, he didn’t have the reputation that would create worry for the Ancajas camp.
Ancajas trainer and manager Joven Jimenez said they employed eight spar mates, all standing as tall as Funai, to better prepare for the fight.
The Filipino boxer needs to score an impressive victory against Funai if he wants to snag big money fights in the future.
Ancajas settled for a decision win over fellow Filipino Jonas Sultan before drawing Mexico’s Alejandro Santiago last September in Oakland.