Filipino boxer Jerwin Ancajas is hoping for a better showing as he defends his IBF world super featherweight championship against Japanese Ryuichi Funai this morning at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California, USA.
The Panabo City, Davao del Norte-native Ancajas was coming from a forgetful split draw title defense against Mexican Alejandro Santiago Barrios on September, 2019 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.
“My last fight against Alejandro Santiago Barrios was a hard fight for me, but I was not happy with the outcome,” Ancajas said during the formal press conference on Friday morning.
“I am going to be in the best shape in my upcoming fight with Funai. Coming off my last fight, I really want to give a great performance and defend my world title in style,” he added.
This will be Ancajas’ seventh time to defend the world championship he won via unanimous decision at the hands of Puerto Rican McJoe Arroyo on September, 2016 in Taguig City.
“This will be my seventh title defense. We are confident, but we respect the challenge in front of us. Funai is a good, tough fighter so we did all the preparations during training,” said Ancajas.
Funai, who is fighting in his first world title bout in his very first trip to the United States, said that he will try his best to take away the world championship from Ancajas.
“I am excited for this opportunity to challenge for a world title and to make my professional debut in America,” Funai said. “I know I have the experience and the skills to become the new IBF champion of the world.”
“Jerwin and I respect one another, but this is boxing, and I’m going to fight my heart out,” he added. “I have a strong heart and I will be aggressive. I thank Ancajas for the opportunity, but I am here to become the new champion.”
The 27-year-old Ancajas will be entering the ring with an impressive 30-1-2 win-loss-draw ring record, including 20 stoppage wins, while Funai has 31-7-0 card, with 22 stoppage wins.
The Ancajas-Funai world title clash is set to be aired live on ABS-CBN S+A and S+A HD at 10 am this morning marking the Filipino world champions’ debut with ABS CBN Sports.
“Being aired on the biggest network is a big opportunity. I’m sure that my family and friends in Davao will get to see my fight,” shared Ancajas./PN
