Ancajas has options for unification fight next year
2020 is winding down to a close and the boxing community is looking towards 2021 with hopes of renewed vigor. In the super flyweight division, the sport has made some big moves going into next year, and the division’s longest reigning IBF champion, Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas (32-1-2, 22ko), needs to get in on some of the action.
Already set in motion is the 2012 rematch unification showdown between WBC champion Juan Francisco Estrada (41-3, 28ko) and arch-rival WBA champion Roman Gonzalez (50-2, 41ko). Furthermore, WBO champion Kazuto Ioka (25-2, 14ko) has a Japanese mega-fight ending the year against three-divisional champion Kosei Tanaka (15-0, 9ko).
The 28-year-old Filipino champion will have been the only champion in the division that has not fought at all this year. Of course, keep in mind that Ioka barely made the cut with his title defense taking place on December 31.
THE CHAMPION NEEDS TO MAKE A MOVE
Nevertheless, Ancajas, going into next year, will need to make a splash and a huge unification bout is a way to make it happen. Undoubtedly, he will be paying close attention to all of his rival divisional counterparts’ fights.
Equally important, the IBF champion has stated in the past his desire to become an undisputed champion. Therefore, looking at all the moves taking place in the division, it is important he starts working towards that goal. For example, he can fight the winner of the huge unification bout between Estrada and Gonzalez. A fight with the winner would be huge, considering there will be three belts on the line.
Another option is to take on the winner between Ioka and Tanaka in a two-belt unification match. The payoff would result in a huge undisputed fight down the line to closeout 2021.
The possibilities are endless. However, it is imperative the IBF champion explore one of those options going into 2021.
By: Garrisson Bland
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