ANCAJAS PUNISHES FUNAI, RETAINS IBF BELT

IBF superfly champion Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines beats down Japanese challenger Ryuichi Funai over six rounds before Funai's corner called it quits at the beginning of the 7th round as Ancajas successfully defended his IBF world title for the 7th time at the Stockton Arena in Stockton, California Saturday night (Sunday in Manila).

Ancajas was too slicked and powerful for the Japanese as the Filipino threw a variety of punches from all angles with bad intent as Funai, who tried to mix it up, was the recipient of thudding bombs to his head and body. Ancajas made Funai a target practice in the 4th round but to Funai's credit, he sucked up all of Ancajas's power punches. As the bell ring in the 5th round, the ring physician checked on Funai's swollen eyes and let the fight continue. Funai avoided to come inside in the 5th but Ancajas still had his way. In the 6th, Ancajas again unloaded on Funai but the Japanese refused to go down and appeared only his heart carried him through. Funai's corner however has seen enough and stop the fight at the beginning of the 7th round.

Ancajas now improved his record to 31-1-2, 21 KOs while Funai absorbed his 8th defeat and dropped to 31-8-0, 22KOs.