Jerwin Ancajas title defense canceled as Mexican foe runs into visa issues

Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines gestures to fans after defeating Ryuichi Funai of Japan in their 12-round Super Flyweight IBF World Title fight in Stockton, California on May 4, 2019. – Ancajas defended his title for the seventh time with a TKO over Funai who absorbed punishment until round 7 when the rignside physician ordered the ref to stop the fight. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines–Jerwin Ancajas’ title defense against Jonathan Javier Rodriguez was canceled after the Mexican challenger failed to get his United States visa on time.

Sean Gibbons, chief of co-promoter MP Promotions, said Friday Rodriguez’s failure to obtain his visa prevented him from getting a medical license in the State of California.

Gibbons said it’s not Rodriguez’s fault although the matter only came up just two days before the world championship fight at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

“The issue was being dealt with immigration lawyers,” Gibbons told the Inquirer. “Things happen.’

The IBF junior bantamweight title fight was supposed to be headlining event on Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila).

Ancajas was already in the United States for a week in a hope to close out the year with an explosive victory.

The fight was supposed to be carried by ESPN which could be a perfect vehicle for Ancajas to penetrate the US market and command big fights in the division.