Jerwin Ancajas looks to be great in number eight

WBO junior featherweight king Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will make his fourth world title defense against Francisco “Panchito” Horta this Saturday, December 7 at Auditorio GNP Seguros in Puebla, Mexico.

This will be a home game for the popular Mexican banger who likes to keep busy to say the least – this will be title defense number four in seven months. Two words come to mind – throw back! This will be Navarrete’s first fight at home since he became champion and his country is more than happy to welcome the rugged native of San Juan Zitlaltepec, Mexico back home.

However, before the main event, another of boxing’s most exciting warriors, Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (31-1-2, 21 KO’s) hits the stage for what will be his eighth (yes, you read that correct - number eight) title defense. Ancajas, part of Manny Pacquiao’s “MP Promotions” stable, will be defending his IBF junior bantamweight world title against Miguel “Aguja” Gonzalez.

Ancajas is one of boxing’s longest-reigning world champions and has kept an active schedule since winning the title back in 2016. Ancajas certainly should be in shape as he was scheduled to fight last month in California but his opponent failed to secure the proper visa so the fight was called off.

So, Ancajas stayed in the United States to keep training while his advisor, Sean Gibbons, looked to slot him on another card. Gonzalez, comes into the fight on a two-fight win streak and will be looking to capitalize on the chance at a world title so Ancajas will have to be at his best. Plus, he will want to keep the red hot streak going for MP Promotions who are basking in the glow of a great win a few days ago by John Riel Casimero who stopped the favored Zolane Tete in England in defense of the WBO world bantamweight title.

Ancajas turned pro 10 years ago and had captured a world title by 2016. Since then he has made seven title defenses with four of them ending before the final bell. He is one of boxing’s most exciting fighters and he, once again, is looking to impress in his first fight in Mexico. And, make no mistake, this man is a road warrior. Since winning the title in his home country of the Philippines, and defending his title the last three times in California, he has also clocked into work in China, Texas, Australia and Ireland. In short, set up the ring anywhere and this champion will show up.

In recent interviews, it sounds like Ancajas is excited to get to Mexico and show his stuff in the next step of his incredible title run.

“I am ready to defend my world title in front of the great Mexican fans,” Ancajas said. “Since my fight against Rodriguez was canceled, I’ve stayed in America to train, and I am in fantastic shape," he said.

Added MP Promotions’ matchmaker, and Ancajas advisor, Gibbons, “Ancajas is one of boxing’s longest reigning title defenders and is also one of the most exciting fighters fans can see,” he said. “He will defend his title again in Mexico and the fans will love him there because he is all-action, every time out, and everywhere he fights around the world he makes new fans."