Jerwin Ancajas wins - eyes world title fight next

Former long reigning, IBF junior bantamweight titleholder Jerwin Ancajas got back into the win column on Saturday night at the Armory in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. He stopped Colombia’s Wilner Soto (22-13, 12 KOs). With the win, he more than likely secured a world title shot later in the year.  

Ancajas (34-3-2, 23 KOs) dropped Soto in rounds 4 and 5, stopping him later in the 5th, of a scheduled 8-rounder. 

Before Ancajas lost his title last year to Fernando Martinez, he had made an impressive 9 defenses of the title he won 7 years ago.

Looking to get back in the title hunt, Ancajas took some time off before resuming training at manager Sean Gibbons Knuckleheads Gym in Las Vegas.

The Panabo City, Philippines native, had scraped himself down to 115 pounds for years but enjoyed this fight in the 120s. He looked strong and refreshed. However, he will go a south a few more pounds for his next fight which looks to be a bantamweight world title fight in November or December.

Ancajas, who is rated in the WBA’s top ten at 118 pounds, is expected to challenge WBA bantamweight titleholder Takuma Inoue (18-1, 4 KO’s) in November or December in Japan. 

“Jerwin looked good, he looked strong, he is back and ready to fight for a world title again”, said Gibbons. “He’ll probably fight in November in Japan against Takuma Inoue”, he said.

Asked if he got spoiled fighting the low 120s for this fight and if he could retain his strength at 118, Gibbons was quick to answer. 

“Jerwin starved himself down to 115 for years and years. But, with a good long camp, lots of time to drop the weight, and only down to 118, he’ll be a beast”, said Gibbons. “He will be very strong heading into that title fight”.

Gibbons was certain Ancajas would be a champion in his next bout.

“Jerwin looked good tonight, but this was just to get him back in the ring, shake off a little downtime, keep him busy. In his next fight, he’ll leave the ring a world champion”.