MANILA, Philippines, January 27 ------ Jerwin Ancajas took less than two rounds to prove that he has some premium gas left to chase another world crown. The longtime former world super flyweight champion sneaked in a solid right to the body of Richie Mepranum at the 2 minutes and 20 seconds mark of the second round to clinch the vacant Philippine super bantamweight belt at the Iligan City Public Plaza in Lanao del Norte.
More importantly, Ancajas, International Boxing Federation super flyweight king from 2016 to 2022, regained his foothold in the global arena, currently rated No. 10 in the 122-pound division. MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons intends to bring Ancajas back to the United States for training even before his victory over Mepranum, a two-time world title contender. Mepranum was gamely trading punches in the second round until Ancajas landed body shots capped by the uppercut that sent the 37-year-old veteran on all fours for the full count by referee Delbert Pelegrino. “When I landed a shot to the body, he got hurt,” said Ancajas. “So I just followed it up.”
The 33-year-old Ancajas raised his record to 36 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws with 24 knockouts while pulling down Mepranum to 38-10-1 with 12 knockouts. Ancajas said he feels okay at 122, but admitted that he needs to watch his weight if he wishes to stay in the division. He added he had some difficulty shedding the extra pounds as he ballooned to a heavy 150 pounds before training camp. Before returning to Las Vegas with longtime trainer Joven Jmenez, however, Ancajas said he needed to renew his expiring US visa first.
Source: rappler.com
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