Ancajas homecoming long overdue
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 22 Sep 2024
It’s been eight years since former IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas fought at home and attempting a bold comeback after losing three of his last four bouts, he returns on local soil against Thai veteran Sukpraserd Ponpitak in a scheduled 10-round bout on the Melvin Jerusalem-Luis Castillo undercard at the Mandaluyong City College tonight.
Ancajas, 32, is making his debut as a featherweight and determined to rebound from a ninth round knockout loss to WBA bantamweight titlist Takuma Inoue in Tokyo last February. His last 13 bouts were held overseas as he invaded rings in the US, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Macau and Australia. Ancajas’ homecoming is long overdue.
Ponpitak, 36, has experience on his side with 49 fights under his belt compared to Ancajas’ 40. The Thai’s record is 30-19, with 20 KOs and eight of his victims were Filipinos. In 2015, Ponpitak traveled to Davao and lost to Mark Magsayo on a fifth round stoppage. He’s no stranger to foreign rings with previous outings in Malaysia, Dubai, Japan, Korea, China, Russia, Australia, Tanzania and the Philippines. Ponpitak is coming off a win by majority decision over Armenia’s Mikael Arutyunyan in Bangkok last June.
For Ancajas, losing isn’t an option. He reigned as IBF superflyweight champion from 2016 to 2022, losing the crown on his 10th defense to Argentina’s Fernando Martinez. Ancajas failed to regain the title in a rematch, bounced back to halt Wilmer Soto then bowed to Inoue. His record is 34-4-2, with 23 KOs. Long-time coach/trainer Joven Jimenez and Alexis Abillar will be in Ancajas’ corner for the Ponpitak fight.
Ancajas’ motivation is dedicating the fight to his growing family. Last Thursday, his wife Ruth gave birth to their fifth child Justin Kerwin at the Tanza Specialists Medical Center in Cavite. His other children are Kyrie 11, Kyle nine, Jackey Kiera six and Jazz Klay one. Ancajas is out to celebrate the birth of his fifth child with a victory tonight.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Manny Pacquiao Arrives in LA to Oversee Son Jimuel's Highly Anticipated Pro Debut
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Robert Racasa Shines for the Philippines on First Day of World Memory Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 09 Nov 2025P20k for 42k winners in 3rd SDSPPO
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Weights Set for Tomorrow’s Sanman Boxing Show in General Santos City
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin: Can Lubin Tip the Ortiz/Ennis Apple Cart?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Gibbons’ ‘Thrilla’ regrets
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Erickson Lubin Set for Explosive Showdown in Fort Worth
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Ring Officials Announced for Michael Hunter Vs Eli Frankham - York Hall, 5th December
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Baseball in the Sulaimán Family
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Shields signs $8 million multi year contract with Salita Promotions
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 08 Nov 2025A TIBUTE TO VICTOR CONTE
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Lhuillier Lauds RP Blu Boys’ Triumph in Japan Tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025FIDE Rated Chess Tournament Pasig Police Board Patrol Checkpoint Challenge
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025MANNY PACQUIAO VS. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. ONCE AGAIN
By Maloney L. Samaco, Fri, 07 Nov 2025NBA Reportedly Met with Congress Regarding Gambling Issues
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 07 Nov 2025