IBF 115-Lb World Champion Ancajas Sets Sights on Defeating Conlan in Northern Ireland
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 02 Oct 2017
Filipino IBF world champion Jerwin Ancajas' immediate goal is crystal clear as he intensifies preparation for the 3rd defense of his title against undefeated Irish standout Jamie Conlan at The SSE Arena in the hometown of his opponent, Belfast, Northern Ireland, in a fight to be broadcast in the Uinted Kingdom on BT Sport, though in the Philippines it is still unknown which TV network will bring the signal.
The well-mannered southpaw Ancajas, 25, who is promoted by Many Pacquiao's MP Promotions, hugely elevated his marketability and popularity in the Philippines and around the world after dictating a boxing lesson and subsequently stopping world-ranked Japanese challenger Teiru Kinoshita (25-2-1, 8 KO's) with a crushing body shot last July at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, in same card where Ancajas' hero and promoter Manny Pacquiao lost his WBO welterweight title to local school teacher Jeff Horn in one of the most controversial fights of 2017.
Meanwhile, the challenger Jamie Conlan, 30, sometimes referred to as "The Irish Gatti" or "The Mexican" due to his toughness and coming-forward fan-friendly style, battled a total of 118 fights as amateur boxer, losing in only 11, then turning pro in the fall of 2009.
He is the elder brother of unbeaten Michael Conlan (4-0, 4 KO's), one of the rising stars in the featherweight division who is promoted by Bob Arum's Top Rank, though Jamie is promoted by British promoter Frank Warren.
While Ancajas (27-1-1, 18 KO's) decidedly won his last fight in spectacular knockout fashion as seen around the world, thrilling his increasing number of fans, Jamie Conlan had to struggle surprisingly hard over 12 tough rounds to escape with a split decision win over unheralded Nicaraguan Yader Cardoza (23-12-1, 7 KO's).
In that tough clash against Cardoza last March in his hometown of Belfast, Jamie Conlan (19-0, 11 KO's) was rocked down to the canvas in round 8, and subsequently cut above the left eye in round 10. The tough Conlan got the split decision win, but not without scaring his team.
Regardless of that big hassle, the Conlan camp looks forward to facing Ancajas, though they should know that the Filipino is light-years better fighter than Cardoza.
CONLAN HAS SEEN ANCAJAS IN ACTION, THINKS HE CAN DEFEAT HIM
Conlan knows Ancajas, though, as the popular Irish was ringside in attendance during Ancajas' demolition of Kinoshita last July in Brisbane.
While watching Jerwin's fight, Conlan had the feeling that perhaps some day he could meet the Filipino in the ring, so he paid close attention. That is what Jamie Conlan said a few days ago during the presser announcing the fight.
"I was at that fight in Brisbane, Australia. My brother was at the same time scale throughout fight week, so I got to see Ancajas up close and personal. I got to see his emotions and reactions. I paid attention.
"I know I will have to be at my very best. But I wholeheartedly believe I can win," said the challenger Jamie Conlan about the most crucial fight of his life.
That being said, the two questions that pops into mind are:
Will Filipino champion Jerwin Ancajas -- a tough fighter with skills, power and five years younger than Conlan -- achieve another resounding victory, this time in Northern Ireland, to defend his IBF Super Flyweight World Title as his followers would love to?
Jerwin Ancajas (L) delivers a booming straight left at Teiru Kinoshita during world championship battle in Brisbane, Australia last July.
Conlan boxing brothers. Jamie R and Michael in Australia with boxing legend Roberto Duran. Jamie will challenge Ancajas on Nov 18 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Or will the unbeaten popular Irish challenger Jamie Conlan, 30, score a massive win over the respectful ever-smiley Jerwin Ancajas in front of his hometown fans in Belfast to become the new super flyweight world champion?
Nobody knows the future, though in the mind of a good number of boxing experts, Jerwin Ancajas is favorite to retain.
Nevertheless, these two warriors are world-class super flyweights in the prime of their careers and anything can happen.
Arguably, though, Ancajas owns more devastating dynamite on his fists, as well as more experience on top of the ring, plus he can boast an excellent fighting technique combined with decent speed. The Irishman has also fast of hands, is well-motivated and will have the advantage of fighting at home before his adoring, screaming fans.
However, for Ancajas, battling under pressure in a foreign land does not seem to be a problem. He has already wage war in foreign battlefields six times, winning all six times. In fact, his last three wars Ancajas has been inserted-in have been world title fights away from home and the Filipino warrior has returned home victorious.
True that In boxing anything is possible, especially when above the ring are two good warriors hungry for glory.
There are still about 6 weeks till fight night with both fighters now preparing for the awaited rumble, Jerwin Ancajas being trained in his native Philippines by experienced coach Joven Jimenez, while Jamie Conlan in the UK on the hands of his trainer during the last two years, Danny Vaughan.
November 18 is the date. The SSE Arena in Belfast is the place, fans will be waiting... and May the Best Man Win.
The author Carlos Costa of Panama is a boxing reporter, writer and photographer based in Cebu City, Philippines. Carlos Costa can be contacted by Whatsapp or Viber +639184538152, Facebook and email: carlos512@hotmail.com. "All For the Love of Boxing."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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