MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxer Jerwin Ancajas outboxed and outslugged Puerto Rico’s McJoe Arroyo to win the IBF junior bantamweight title on Saturday, September 3 at the Philippine Navy Gym in Taguig City, Philippines.
Ancajas (25-1-1, 16 knockouts) of Panabo City, Davao del Norte, Philippines used his right jab to set the rhythm in the first two rounds, and scored a knockdown in round 8 to win a unanimous decision over Arroyo (17-1, 8 KOs) of Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The scores were 118-109 115-112 and 117-110.
Afterwards, Arroyo, who hadn’t fought since winning the title in July of 2015, said he felt out of rhythm and was reduced to trying to brawl with Ancajas, who at 23 is 7 years his junior.
Ancajas had accepted just $3,750 of the $25,000 minimum purse bid for the fight, but wasn’t concerned about the purse as he felt he could make more money defending the title. Arroyo made $21,250 as champion.
Ancajas had dedicated the fight to his home province of Davao, which was devastated by an explosion last night which left scores dead.
The win makes 4 current Filipino boxing champions, joining WBO bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales, WBO junior featherweight champion and IBF flyweight champ Johnriel Casimero. ? Rappler.com
