Ancajas impresses in US debut, stops Gonzalez to retain IBF title

Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines lands a left straight to the face of Israel Gonzalez of Mexico during their junior bantamweight fight at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA. Ancajas retained his IBF title after scoring a TKO victory in the 10th round. Photo taken from Top Rank Boxing’s Twitter account (@trboxing)

The much-anticipated US debut by Jerwin Ancajas was worth the wait.

Ancajas retained his IBF junior bantamweight title after stopping Israel Gonzalez of Mexico in the 10 round at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA.

The 26-year-old Ancajas (29-1-1, 20 KOs), who successfully defended his belt in TKO fashion for the fourth straight time, dropped Gonzalez (20-2, 8 KOs) three times.

A well-timed left hook by Ancajas decked Gonzalez a minute into the first round before a couple more left blows, resulting into a pair of knock downs, prompted the referee to stop the fight at the 1:50 mark of the 10th.

Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines watches after dropping Israel Gonzalez of Mexico in their junior bantamweight fight Sunday (Manila time) at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA. Photo taken from Top Rank Boxing’s Twitter account (@trboxing)

Ancajas has been drawing comparisons to Manny Pacquiao and he showed flashes of the eight-division champion with his crushing left straight, movement and footwork.

But unlike Pacquiao, who is known for his relentlessness inside the ring, Ancajas was more of a scientific fighter like former Filipino champion Gerry Peñalosa.

It was a lopsided bout with Ancajas dominating from the opening bell, setting up his power shots with crisp jabs that left Gonzalez searching for answers.