This Saturday night on ESPN, IBF super flyweight titleholder Jerwin Ancajas will make his U.S. debut when he defends his title against Israel Gonzalez in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the 26-year-old Filipino fighter says he’s looking to make an impact.

“I like it here and it’s a dream to come here to fight before the American audience. I am very happy for the opportunity. I want to make a lasting impression. I want American fight fans to see more of me by coming up with a performance that’s an improvement from my last few fights.”

Ancajas (28-1-1, 19 KO) is part of a deep 115-pound division, which has recently been featured on HBO, and will be again on February 24 for their “Superfly II” card. Ancajas says he feels he’s “a notch below” some of those top and best-known fighters in the division, but that he “would like to fight them someday so I know where I am and how good I can be.”

As a young rising star in a terrific division, it’s good to hear Ancajas is eager to test himself.