ANCAJAS TO MAKE 1ST TITLE DEFENSE JAN. 29 IN MACAU

DAVAO CITY — International Boxing Federation (IBF) world junior bantamweight champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas of Panabo City will make his first title defense against Mexican Jose Alfredo Rodriguez on January 29 at the Studio City Casino in Macau.

“Sa tingin ko malakas at magaling na kalaban si Jose Alfredo Rodriguez. Kaya’t hindi po kami puede mag kumpiyansa,” said Ancajas in his text message.

Ancajas (25-1-1-16 knockouts) has continued his training with trainer-manager Joven Jimenez in Imus, Cavite City despite the holidays.

“Kailangan talagang mag focus ng mabuti sa training dahil beterano ang Mexikano kaya mahirap na kalaban,” said Jimenez.

The 24-year-old Ancajas captured the IBF world title via a convincing unanimous decision victory over Puerto Rico’s McJoe Arroyo last September 3 at the Philippine Navy Gym.

Ancajas knocked down Arroyo in the 8^th round and completely dominated the 12-round championship fight.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez, who is ranked no. 15 contender has a record of 32 wins with four losses and 19 knockouts. The 27-year-old from Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, has won three straight since stepping up to 115 pounds.

Rodriguez previously won a split decision against Edwin Rodriguez to win the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) All America super flyweight title last December 10 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, Virginia, USA.

Rodriguez also scored two contrasting wins last year. He first knocked out Patricio Camacho in the 5^th round last February 26 then beat Oscar Castillo by a unanimous decision on March 4 in Mexico.

He also defeated Nethra Sasiprapa of Thailand for the interim WBA junior flyweight title in 2011.