Arum excited over 'historic' bout
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 26 May 2018
FRESNO. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum was all smiles as he explained why IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas? fifth title defense against countryman Jonas Sultan will write boxing history at the Save Mart Center here tonight (tomorrow morning, Manila).
Not only will the fight mark the first-ever duel between two Filipinos for a major world crown in 93 years but it will also be the first event accessible live on the ESPN+ streaming app, a digital platform that opens up a large audience potential for Top Rank. World flyweight champion Pancho Villa?s decision over Clever Sencio in Manila in 1925 was the first world title fight between Filipinos. Another bout was held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in 1995 with William Magahin retaining his WBF welterweight crown on a decision over Erwin Villaver but it?s not widely considered as a major title fight.
?We know Filipinos to be tech-savvy so this new app with ESPN+ will go well with the Filipino community in the US,? said Arum. ?It?s only $4.99 a month and you can cancel anytime. I?m excited about Ancajas? fight. (ALA Promotions president) Michael (Aldeguer) swears by his fighter Sultan and I?m aware of ALA?s reputation. We at Top Rank have big plans for Ancajas and we want him to fight only the best out there. Sultan is a tough challenger and I expect a great fight. Fresno has a big Filipino population and we know Fresno to be a boxing city. We expect a big crowd for the fight.?
Arum intends to pit the Ancajas-Sultan winner against the survivor of the WBA superflyweight title fight between unbeaten defending champion Khalid Yafai of the UK and Mexican challenger David Carmona in a unification showdown sometime this year. Yafai stakes his crown against Carmona in the Ancajas-Sultan undercard.
Arum said he won?t be in Kuala Lumpur for WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse?s defense against Manny Pacquiao on July 15. ?I?ve got an ESPN card in New Orleans that weekend,? he said. ?Top Rank is doing the pay-per-view and closed circuit in the US for Manny. But we?re waiting for the money to come in. Let?s see if the Malaysians can bring in the money. Matthysse wants his purse in escrow before he fights and we won?t move unless there?s money in the bank. Michael (Koncz) tells me the money will be sent in two days.?
Las Vegas-based international matchmaker Sean Gibbons predicted an Ancajas win. ?I really believe Sultan is going to make Jerwin look like a million bucks,? he said. ?Sultan will be aggressive. If he boxes, there?s no way he can win because Jerwin will pick him apart. Sultan leans in with his head out so Jerwin has to be careful not to get butted.?
Photo: Top Rank CEO Bob Arum with IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas (left) and challenger Jonas Sultan.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 2 DECEMBER 2025: Kavaliauskas Wins by Split Decision Over Molina; Whittaker Stops Gavazi in 1; Malajika Wins by UD Over Paras
By Eric Armit, Wed, 03 Dec 2025WBC Strips Terence Crawford of Super Middle Title
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Soledad wins WBC Asian Continental title
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 03 Dec 2025A night of power, legacy, and UAE pride: IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships opens in spectacular fashion in Dubai
Wed, 03 Dec 2025OKC Thunder is NBA 2025-2026 Strongest Team
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Who was Clever Sison?
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 03 Dec 2025MATCHROOM BOXING RETURNS TO FONTAINEBLEAU LAS VEGAS WITH MURATALLA-CRUZ FIGHT, JAN. 24, 2026
Wed, 03 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Undefeated Featherweight Luis Nuñez Prepares for Hector Sosa Showdown on PBC on Prime Video
Wed, 03 Dec 2025Darry Bernardo, 4 other Pinoys in hot start in 3rd Asian Chess Championship 2025 for players with disabilities
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 03 Dec 2025Two Pacquiaos on same card?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 02 Dec 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 4: 1924 OLYMPICS AT PARIS, FRANCE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed UTP National Team Shines at 40th Penang Open, Captures Multiple Titles
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC 63th Annual Convention Opens in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor closing out a strong 2026
Tue, 02 Dec 2025USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA
Tue, 02 Dec 2025