In the Philippines, boxing has shifted down a gear during Manny Pacquiao?s career decline. The impressive victory by Jerwin Ancajas against Jamie Conlan gave a significant awakening to Filipino fight fans who have been longing for a return to the days when they used to have ?Pacman? at the top. With this in mind ? what else does Ancajas? victory mean for his country? The return of the ?Manny Pacquiao phenomenon?
Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao has become the barometer of greatness among local fighters. His iconic shoes seem impossible to fill after all that he has done.
Many have found a resemblance between the fighting Senator and Ancajas. Aside from the stance, people were reminded by Ancajas of Manny Pacquiao?s 11th round demolition of Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in 2003. Although he fought as the champion, Ancajas may also be considered as the virtual underdog being the guest fighter in Belfast. Just like Pacquiao, Ancajas shot the lights out more than expected in a fight night that could have significantly dropped his ratings if he lost.
Ancajas still has a long way to go to and would have to hurdle a lot of challenges before he can have the ?Manny Pacquiao magic? of making jeepney and cab drivers park their vehicles in awe when a fight was live. While in the US where big fights were held, scalpers take advantage of the huge venue ticket demands and pay-per-view buyers don?t think twice about spending their hard-earned money just to see the fight.
It is amazing to see how an individual from a third-world country like the Philippines made a significant role in the business side of boxing.
It doesn?t mean that Ancajas needs to equal what ?Pacman? has achieved in boxing, but during this time when his passionate countrymen are in search of someone to replace Pacquiao?s throne, Donaire, Viloria, Bautista, and Gorres have already faded and Donnie Nietes can?t seem to find a breakout fight to cement his name. Ancajas arrived just in time to save the day, with this being his crowing moment.
What?s the best path for him?
Regardless of the result, Ancajas chose the best fight available at the moment against Conlan instead of unifying his title against WBO titlist Naoya Inoue as he invaded a territory and massacred their undefeated fighter. He may be on his way to becoming a Jorge Linares type of figure in the UK, with British fans surely wanting to see more of him.
It looks like the best move for him is to unify his belt with WBA titleholder Khalid Yafai. He needs to put another show against the hometown boy in the UK to punctuate his superstar status on an international level. This is the best destination before looking elsewhere and his handlers should realise this while the door is open.
Eddie Hearn and his Matchroom team are more than capable of providing a platform for Ancajas to fight on in the UK, with Frank Warren already trailing the Filipino with devastating consequences. Hearn rates his WBA champion Khalid Yafai as one of the best fighters in his division, with the challenge of Ancajas one that would guarantee attention (and in Matchroom?s eyes) a guaranteed win.
The narrative is there for Ancajas to follow in the footsteps of Jorge Linares in becoming a constant threat in the UK, with the Filipino needing to continue to capitalise on the opportunities he is forging for himself. Unifications, big money super-fights and a road warrior persona are all achievable for the 25-year-old.
