World champ favored in All-Filipino corrida

The IBF world junior bantamweight championship between Jerwin Ancajas and Jonas Sultan of the Philippines promises to be a spectacular clash between two talented Filipino warriors of contrasting ability and style.

Ancajas, 26, the defending champion, is a sharp and calculating fighter that could be likened to a bullfighter, a seasoned matador with his composure and know-how.

Sultan, 26, fast, fierce and hungry, is more like a bull that could explode and press the champion early in the world 115-pound championship.

Ancajas is 29-1-1, with 20 KOs. Sultan is 14-3, with 9 KOs.

Ancajas is making the fifth defense of the IBF 115-lb crown he won from McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico in 2016.

This is Sultan’s first crack at a world crown, but his camp loves to point to the fact the peppery challenger has beaten boxers equal or better than Ancajas.

Sultan made it as the mandatory challenger with a sensational victory over the highly favored Johnriel Casimero, two-time world champion, in September last year.

They clash in the main event of a major Top Rank promotion in Fresno, California, three hours by car from Los Angeles, Saturday evening (Sunday in Manila).

It’s the first US appearance for Ancajas, a native of Panabo City who fights out of Magallanes town in Cavite.

The tried and tested Ancajas is a heavy favorite, but handlers of Sultan, a talent from the ALA Stable in Cebu, claim they have the plan and ammunition to spoil the American coming-out party of Ancajas.

Sultan is said to be in his finest form after having shifted to special dietary regimen that has boosted his stamina and power.

Ancajas, the pride of MP Promotions who is being fancied as the next big thing in Philippine boxing, is sticking to his tested regimen.

He has promised to return home with his crown.

Sultan said he has done his best in preparing for the challenge and score a monumental upset.

Top Rank said ESPN will beam the fight to Manila Sunday morning.