In his first title defense, IBF World Super Flyweight champ McJoe Arroyo will not have the luxury of having the hometown advantage against Jerwin Ancajas. That is the least of his concerns right now.
Having fought internationally during his amateur stint and in some of his professional fights, Arroyo shared that he’s already used to the pressure of competing overseas and has no problem dealing with it again now that his belt on the line.
“I’ve always fought outside of my country, and things happen in boxing so I just keep myself mentally prepared for that,” the champion told Tiebreaker Times.
The 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championship bronze medalist and former Olympian shared that he doesn’t really mind if the fight won’t take place in his country as most champions, even if most champions are entitled to have that decision. Rather, he is keen on showing everyone why he is the reigning flyweight kingping after claiming the vacant belt by outlasting Arthur Villanueva in El Paso, Texas a year ago.
“Not necessarily I wanted it to be in Puerto Rico, I would’ve prefer a neutral ground like in the States,” the 30-year old southpaw added,
“It was disappointing at one point but it is what it is and we already left that behind and the fight’s gonna be here in the Philippines and we’re to defend our title.”
One thing that he wouldn’t miss though is the fan’s appreciation to the sport here in the country.
Like the Philippines, Puerto Rico is a proud boxing nation, boasting champions like Wilfred Benitez, Wilfredo Gomez, Hector Camacho, Felix Trinidad, and Miguel Cotto just to name a few.
Arroyo is looking forward to the fight-loving Filipino crowd who’ll be coming to watch the fight regardless if they support him or his opponent.
“Boxing here in the Philippines is just like in Puerto Rico, a lot Filipino like boxing so I’m expecting to have a lot of fans based on boxing, not just me or Ancajas,” he said.
“Obviously we’re here in the Philippines but I understand that the crowd here is very happy with boxing.”
When asked on his thoughts on his challenger, the Puerto Rican champion has nothing but respect for Ancajas, who has stopped 16 opponents out of his 24 victories on his way to a title shot. Moreover, he is ready for whatever “Pretty Boy” will throw at him come fight night.
“When that bell rings, we’ll see how the fight goes out. If I have to fight, I’m gonna fight. He’s a tough opponent and I mean once you’re a world champion, once you’re fighting for world titles, you have to expect hard fights and we’re prepared for that.”
