Ancajas, Ponpitak Make Same Weight, Look Strong for Crucial Fight (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 21 Sep 2024
MANILA, Philippines – Davaoeño former world champion "Pretty Boy" Jerwin Ancajas (R), and Thai veteran warrior Sukpraserd Ponpitak successfully made weight, looking strong today in Metro Manila, Philippines.
Ancajas (34-4-2, 23 KOs), and Ponpitak (30-19, 20 KOs) appeared confident and friendly towards each other ahead of their exciting 10-round non-title featherweight rumble tomorrow, Sunday September 22, at the Mandaluyong City College in Metro Manila, Philippines.
Both fighters tipped the scale at 125.2 pounds (56.8 kilos). The agreed weight was 125.6 pounds). That's the heaviest weight for the 32-year-old Ancajas since he turned pro in 2009 when he was 17.
The experienced and well-trained Ponpitak, 36, has fought as a featherweight before, as well as super bantamweights, feeling comfortable and ready. The visiting Ponpitak turned pro also in 2009 when he was 21.
After the official weigh-in ceremony was over, Jerwin and Ponpitak smiled at each other, shook hands, and took photos with their teams.
Ancajas (front, L) and Ponpitak (front, R) pose with their teams.
Ponpitak is a former IBF Pan Pacific Champion, while the pogi Filipino is a former IBF World Champion, both men needing this win to continue their careers alive and steaming forward. A defeat would be a disaster, especially for the Pretty Boy who comes from a knockout loss last February in Japan.
In contrast, Pontipak comes from a hard-fought win by points over taller, stronger, younger Russian slugger Mikael Arutyunyan (11-2, 8 KO's), last June in Bangkok.
Will Jerwin be able to score a decisive win over his Thai foe tomorrow in Mandaluyong, Manila?
The friendly and relaxed Thai is accompanied by his experienced head coach and his boxing manager Mrs. Jidapa Jiraaukkarakul, while Jerwin is guided by his long-time manager, the experienced and ever-smiling Joven Jimenez.
“Ancajas vs Ponpitak” is the co-main event for the world title rumble featuring Filipino WBC world minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem against unbeaten Mexican challenger Luis Castillo. Jerusalem and Castillo made weight as well.
"Jerusalem vs Castillo," and "Ancajas vs Ponpitak" are promoted by "Blow by Blow" of legendary Filipino icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao. Its a show that no boxing fan in Manila can afford to miss!
Photos taken by Philboxing on September 21 in Manila, Philippines.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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