ANCAJAS RETAINS TITLE VIA TKO WIN ON MEXICAN

*IBF world super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas with manager-trainer Joven Jimenez.*

FILIPINO boxer Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas landed solid punches to force Mexican challenger Jose Alfredo Rodriguez to quit during the rest period of the 7^th round in their 12-round championship fight last Sunday night at the Cotai Arena of Venetian Resort in Macao, China.

Ancajas scored a technical knockout win after Rodriguez refused already to answer the bell at the start of the 8th round. Ancajas retained his International Boxing Federation (IBF) world junior bantamweight title in his first title defense.

“Una, nagpapasalamat po ako ng malaki sa ating Panginoong Diyos at sa mga sumusuporta po sa akin lalo na sa aking pamilya at sa team ko,” said Ancajas in a message on Facebook after the fight.

The 25-year old Ancajas used his left-right combinations in hurting the Mexican challenger, who decided to quit after the 7^th round. Rodriguez reportedly injured his right shoulder due to Ancajas solid left straights.

“Nakuha agad ni Jerwin si Rodriguez sa second round pa lang,” said manager-trainer Joven Jimenez.

Ancajas, a native of Panabo City, Davao del Norte used his jabs and body shots on Rodriguez, a former interim WBA world light flyweight and interim WBC Youth world light flyweight champion.

Ancajas improved his record to 26 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw with 17 knockouts while the 27-year old Rodriguez dropped to 32-5-0-19.

“Once again the Filipino has proven we are world class. Jerwin is such a humble and hardworking athlete who should be the role model of current and aspiring boxers,” said Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra.

Mitra is confident that “Ancajas will go on to win many more crows and will stay on as a champion for a long period of time.”

“We at GAB together with our President Rody Duterte congratulate him and call on our kababayans to give him a hero’s welcome which he truly deserves,” Mitra said.

The fight was co-promoted by MP International Promotions of Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who was represented by Sean Gibbons.

“Excellent job by Ancajas,” said Gibbons.