Jerwin Ancajas Says his Intangibles Separate him From Inoue
Former IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (34-3-2, 23 KOs) knows that his February 24 fight with the reigning WBA bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue will not be easy. The one intangible that the challenger is banking on is his championship pedigree.
Inoue versus Ancajas will occur at the Kokugikan Sumo Arena in Tokyo, Japan. During a pre-fight workout session for the boxing press, Pretty Boy expressed his excitement about the matchup, as he’s always wanted to fight in Japan. When asked about what separates himself from Inoue, Ancajas explained it in this manner:
”I have a lot of experience and adaptability. Most of all, I am hungry now.”
BEEN HERE BEFORE
The Filipino challenger has had twelve world title fights. He held the IBF 115-pound title for over five years. But some in the boxing community feel that the now 31-year-old has seen his best days since losing that title to Fernando Martinez in February 2022 and a rematch with Martinez in October of the same year.
Anjacas explained those defeats on his body being depleted and weight-drained from repeated efforts to make the 115-pound junior bantamweight limit. At 118, he feels refreshed and rejuvenated.
Pretty Boy is a calculated boxer with an excellent jab, good timing, and some pop in both hands. He’s also adept at catching his opponent during an exchange. A weakness of Inoue is that he can be greedy and thus leave himself open when he attacks. The challenger will look for those opportunities to take advantage and strike.
At age 31, Ancajas is three years older than Inoue. He also has more mileage on his legs. But you can never underestimate the heart of a champion, especially when they’re motivated and have something to prove.
