Jerwin ?Pretty Boy? Ancajas has been firmly entrenched on the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight (115 lbs.) throne for the last two years. The run has been magnificent, but not a few thought he hit a few bumps on the road in his last title defense against countryman Jonas ?Zorro? Sultan.
Make no mistake, Ancajas handily defeated Sultan on points, but his performance bordered on the pedestrian. Ancajas failed to muster a consistent offense and unloaded in spurts. Sultan?s awkward style may be the culprit, but it also possible that Ancajas unwittingly tempered his offense as he was fighting a fellow Filipino. The real reason aside, one can only hope that Ancajas? lukewarm showing against Sultan is just an aberration.
To his credit, Ancajas noted all the observations and addressed them in the only manner he knows how: by training like a monk in the gym. Consequently, heading into his 6th defense of the title this weekend against Mexican challenger Alejandro Santiago, Ancajas is looking like he is ready to tear somebody?s head off.
?Maganda ang training ni Jerwin, marami kaming adjustment na ginawa,? Joven Jimenez, Ancajas? manager and trainer, told this writer. ?Nakita ko sa kanya ngayon na maganda ang condition n?ya. Gusto namin na madagdagan ang aggressiveness niya sa laban.?
Challenger Santiago (full name: Agustin Alexandro Santiago Barrios) totes a record of 16-2, 4 draws with 7 knockouts. Nicknamed ?Peque? (?Small? in Spanish), the 5?2? Santiago turned pro in 2012 and is unbeaten in his last 11 fights, with 3 bouts ending in a draw. Both of Santiago?s losses were only on points and the last defeat goes back to November 2014, when he dropped a decision to countryman Johnny Michel Garcia.
Style-wise, Santiago is known for his quick footwork and fast combinations. Ancajas is a known body puncher and it will definitely serve the champ well to attack the breadbasket to slow down Santiago.
The 22-year-old Santiago, who is figuring in his first world title fight, has not fought anyone close to Ancajas? caliber. Santiago?s most recognizable foe is unbeaten Puerto Rican junior bantamweight prospect Jose Martinez and the two battled to a draw twice (2016, 2018). Santiago?s last outing was actually a rematch with Martinez last March and not a few thought the Mexican deserved to win. It is worth noting though that Santiago showed vulnerability to the left hook in the Martinez rematch. Ancajas, a southpaw, will definitely look to exploit this flaw.
?Sa nakita namin, beterano lumaban sa labas si Santiago,? said Jimenez. ?Marunong lumaban sa loob at labas, pero mag may pagkakataon nanduon agad si Jerwin.?
Ancajas, 30-1, 1 draw with 20 knockouts, is the overwhelming pick to prevail. The prognosis is that the quality of Santiago?s foes leaves plenty to be desired. Ancajas is also expected to be more assertive owing to his clear advantages in height, reach and experience.
An impressive win by Ancajas will keep him within striking distance of a unification fight with the other champions in the weight class. Easily the most attractive and lucrative foe is World Boxing Council (WBC) champ Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, the Thai puncher who shattered Roman Gonzalez?s aura of invincibility. Rungvisai is booked to defend the WBC diadem on October 10 against Mexican Iran Diaz.
First things first, Ancajas will have to buckle down to serious business against Santiago. From the looks of it, the eye of the tiger is back in ?Pretty Boy? and this could only mean bad news for Santiago.
