Can Ancajas shoot for Chocolatito?
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 01 Feb 2017
HANDLERS have all the reason to be very excited about Filipino world boxing champion Jerwin Ancajas, who made a successful first defense of his IBF super flyweight crown in Macau on Sunday. At the same time though, they should practice caution, lest the celebrations get out of hand.
For one, the conquest of Mexican journeyman Jose Alfredo Rodriguez, who failed to answer the bell for the 8th round, could appear sensational enough. Ancajas did display vast improvement, at the same time showcasing his well-rounded prowess.
A second look at the stoppage, caused by a shoulder problem on the part of the overmatched challenger, would however show that the victory was not truly grand as had been pictured.
**
It cannot pass off as a true confirmation or legit tough test,
It?s like this. The great Gabriel Elorde loved to say that, in the exacting world of professional boxing, a champion could get confirmed only after he has succeeded in his first title defense. That was quite believable in the era of Elorde, when a champion came in pure solid form, when there was no over-supply of half-baked titlists caused by the proliferation of alphabet soup boxing associations.
Elorde was WBA junior lightweight champion for over seven years. He faced the toughest in his division, after stopping Harold Gomes of Rhode Island at the Araneta Coliseum in March 1960.
**
Ancajas was sensational in grabbing the IBF 115-lb crown from McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico in Taguig City last September. It was one of the big upsets of the past year.
In Macau on Sunday, Ancajas had a punching picnic, and completed his first title defense practically trouble-free.
An unnerving truth would surface after the mismatch: Rodriguez had no business fighting for the crown.
**
The Mexican, a certified patsy, was a picture of total ineptitude.
Ancajas now has a record of 26 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw, 17 KOs, winning 12 of his last 13 fights by knockout.
Rodriguez fell to 35 wins 5 losses with 19 KOs.
As noted by Jake Donavan of FightScene. com, Rodriguez did absolutely nothing to earn the title shot on Sunday. Donavan said the Mexican has fallen miserably short on the stage. He was outclassed by Alberto Rossel last April and, without winning or fighting his way back into contention, was sent to Japan where he served as cannon fodder for Kazuto Ioka in a 108-lb title bout.
**
Well, we can?t blame Ancajas for facing a worthless foe in his first title defense. He did not choose Rodriguez.
There?s a problem. There?s suddenly risen a suggestion for Ancajas to try and go after the unbeaten Roman ?Chocolatito? Gonzalez, reigning world pound-for-pound king.
Not so fast please. As Flash Elorde loved to say, ?Wag kang bara-bara Bay,? don?t be reckless.
**
(LIBERATION HARANA: There?ll be love in the air today in the Mandaluyong Children Choir?s Harana Mandaleno Liberation concert at the Kaban ng Hiyas Auditorium, City Hall Compound, starting at 6:00 pm. There?ll be special numbers from the guest choir of the Association of Senior Citizens in Mandaluyong. The concert is being presented by Mayor Menchie Abalos and the City Government on its 72nd Liberation Day and 23rd Cityhood Anniversary.)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS AS GIORGIO VISOLI OVERCOMES TOUGH JOE HOWARTH – AND TIAH-MAI AYTON WINS AGAIN
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Merry Fistmas’ at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Tomorrow Night at 7 pm ET
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Undefeated Jose Tito Sanchez Returns to Face Jesus Ramirez Rubio in Super Bantamweight Main Event on Friday
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Three boxers aim for finals
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 17 Dec 2025BOOM! Terence Crawford Stuns the World with Retirement at 42-0
By Dong Secuya, Wed, 17 Dec 2025Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Biggest “Crossroads” Fight Ever!
By Ralph Rimpell, Wed, 17 Dec 2025Donaire ready for Tsutsumi
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT: WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED AS CONNOR MITCHELL GETS READY FOR HIS PRO DEBUT
Tue, 16 Dec 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION DECEMBER 15 DECEMBER 2025: Gassiev KO Pulev in 6; Mikaeljan Beats Jack for WBC Cruiser Title; Pacheco Outpoints Sadjo
By Eric Armit, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Sumalinog, Castanol rule Senior, PWD fun run
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Vargas urges boxers to defy odds
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025GIORGIO VISIOLI SETS OUT MISSION TO LAND MAJOR TITLES AFTER TENSE FIRST FACE-OFF WITH ENGLISH TITLE RIVAL JOE HOWARTH
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Kevin Brown and Yoenis Tellez Shine at Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During the 104th Annual WBA Convention
Tue, 16 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Justin Cardona Shares Insights Ahead of December 19 Showdown Against Avious Griffin
Tue, 16 Dec 2025JAS MATHUR JOINS MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS AS CEO TO LEAD STRATEGIC VISION, CREATIVITY AND GLOBAL GROWTH INITIATIVES
Tue, 16 Dec 2025