LOS ANGELES. Jerwin Ancajas, the reigning IBF super flyweight champion, has been a beast at 115 pounds. But it has been such a burden to main the weight class.
The solution? Migrating north to the treacherous waters of the bantamweight division.
Joven Jimenez, the Flipino champ’s coach and trainer, told The Philippine Star, that his prized ward is moving up in weight because the 26-year old Ancajas has simply outgrown his 115-pound frame.
Issues on dehydration and a perceived sapping of his strength and energy late are among the reasons blamed for Jerwin’s sub-par performance during his last two fights, which included a split draw against stubborn Mexican brawler Alejandro Santiago two weekends ago at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.
But before abdicating the super flyweight division, Ancajas wants a title unification duel with Thai champion Srisaket Sor Rivingsai, who owns the WBC portion of the super flyweight crown.
Be careful what you wish for. After all, the bruising Thai is a knockout artist with 41 stoppages in his 47 wins against just four defeats.
But there is a method to this Ancajas’ madness. A battle with Rivingsai brings a lucrative purse. In his last six fights defending his title, Ancajas only raked in $560,000. A purse in a unification duel will be a nice send-off.
Ancajas (30-1-2, 20 KOs) is only 26 and in the prime of his boxing life.
A date with Rivingsai willbe nothing sure of a blockbuster, a big battle among small men.
