Another one for the Pretty Boy
International Boxing Federation World Super Flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas (28-1-1, 19KOs) put up another scintillating performance, stopping challenger Jamie Conlan in the sixth round, Sunday morning at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Ireland.
This is Ancajas’ third successful title defense. Moreover, this is his 15th straight victory, as he last tasted defeat back in March of 2012 against Mark Anthony Geraldo.
Needing a quick start to dictate the pace of the fight, 25-year-old engaged early in the first two rounds, landing fast combinations against the equally-aggressive Irish challenger. Interestingly, Conlan went to his knees with apparent leg injury in the middle of the first round, but was able to continue on with the fight.
By the third round, Ancajas had changed things up, this time fighting outside Conlan’s boxing range. Conlan tried to fight back with the roaring crowd behind him, only to land few successful punches to the champion. Ancajas connected a body shot that forced another Conlan knockdown in the waning seconds. The champion tried to finish him off but was saved by the bell.
As the fight progressed, Ancajas continued to pile up significant damage on Conlan but was deducted a point for an inadvertent low blow in the fifth stanza. That did not deter the champion, as he continued his offense, sending Conlan down once again with a right hook that proved to be the clincher for his third successful title defense.
“Masaya po kami sa kinalabasan. Alam namin na gutom si Conlan na magchampion, kaya ginawa namin yung best namin,” Ancajas told Tiebreaker Times shortly after the fight.
The victory is Ancajas’ 19th career knockout win, while Conlan suffered his first-ever defeat.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa Panginoon at sa lahat ng mga sumoporta at nagdasal para sa amin ni Conlan,” the humble champion added.
Coach Joven Jimenez added that he is proud of his ward’s performance following his stoppage win of Teiru Kinoshita in Brisbane four months ago.
“Super, super satisfied talaga kami sa performance niya sa ring kasi di namin akalain kasi nagkaubo, nagkasipon pa siya. Pero ganun parin ang performance niya kaya masayang-masaya kami,” the amiable tactician added.
