It will be a dangerous fight for International Boxing Federation super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas after he comes out of more than a yearlong layoff.
Ancajas goes up against Mexico’s Jonathan Javier Rodriguez, who has floored his last two opponents.
“Hindi na bago sa akin ang mag-hintay sa laban,” said the 24-year-old Ancajas, who recalled the time when he waited for 10 months before his showdown with McJoe Arroyo finally pushed through back in 2016.
The 5’6” Ancajas and compatriot Mark Magsayo talked about their fights during a Zoom discussion with Filipino scribes, presented with the support of Big Boss Cement.
With a win-loss-draw of record of 32-1-2, including 16 KOs, Ancajas said he is ready to face the odds as he goes into his ninth title defense in five years.
“Para sa akin, hindi ako nawawalan ng pag-asa. Focused ako sa laban,” added Ancajas, whose fight against Rodriguez takes place on April 10 at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut.
The 25-year-old Rodriguez is knockout artist, having won 16 of 22 fights via the short route, incurring only one loss. He is known for being involved in brutal fights, including against Felipe Orucuta back in 2019.
Orucuta, a veteran super flyweight and former two-time world title challenger, collapsed in the ring and later survived after being in a coma, following a TKO loss to Rodriguez.
In Rodriguez’s last fight in December, he once again floored his rival, this time in the first round.
“He (Rodriguez) brings heart, determination and the Mexican-style of boxing. A lot of people overlook fights like this, but thankfully not Jerwin. Jonathan is a hungry guy with nothing to lose. It’s going to be a fun and exciting fight. It’s always good when a Mexican fights a Filipino,” said MP Promotions’ chief Sean Gibbons.
On the other hand, Magsayo (21-0-0, 14 KOs) will be in the undercard as he will try to keep his featherweight record clean against Pablo Cruz (21-3-0, 6 KOs).
Magsayo is seeking a followup to his October 2020 victory over Rigoberto Hermosillo. He will have a chance to do so against the 34-year-old Cruz, a Houston slugger, who bears the nickname, “The Lethal Mosquito.”
