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.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
JOSH KELLY SOUNDS WARNING TO WORLD TITLE RIVAL BAKHRAM MURTAZALIEV AS HE TARGETS HISTORIC NORTH EAST HOMECOMING
Wed, 28 Jan 2026Gallegos and Alvarez Shine Bright with Knockout Wins at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Wed, 28 Jan 2026Pedro Carrasco Remembered in Spain 25 Years After His Passing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 28 Jan 2026Gensan Outdoor, Gensan Educator support MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit in Mt. Apo
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 28 Jan 2026Vitor vs Subkhankulov, Tapales vs Kalsynov in Double IBF Asia Title Fights in Moscow on Feb. 13
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 27 Jan 2026“It’s about owning my own journey” Jeanine Brown retuns for Title Clash March 13 – Thunderdome 53
Tue, 27 Jan 2026Long Boxing Journey settles in New Bedford, MA for Junior Featherweight prospect Joshua Alvarado
Tue, 27 Jan 2026Steph Curry is 19th leading scorer of the NBA
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 27 Jan 2026Ocum is WBC Asian lightweight champ
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 27 Jan 2026Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh Believes he will stop Jarrell Miller this Saturday at Madison Square Garden
Tue, 27 Jan 2026David Ray Sarmiento finishes second place in Cologne January Blitz 2026.
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 27 Jan 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 JANUARY 2026: Raymund Muratalla Edges Andy Cruz; Walsh Outpoints Ocampo
By Eric Armit, Mon, 26 Jan 2026MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit at Mt. Apo on February 19-22
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 26 Jan 2026OLYMPIC BOXING 8: 1948 OLYMPICS AT LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
By Maloney L. Samaco, Mon, 26 Jan 2026Golden Gloves Launches on Meta Quest Store, Establishing the First Official Esports Competition Pathway for Amateur Boxing
Mon, 26 Jan 2026