Ancajas happy with Sultan’s career amid looming historic title bout

FILE: Jerwin Ancajas in the President’s courtesy call in Malacañan Palace on December 5, 2017. REY BANIQUET/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — For the first time in nearly a century, two Filipinos will slug it out for one single world title.

Jerwin Ancajas will stake his IBF super flyweight belt against mandatory challenger Jonas Sultan at the Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California, USA on Sunday (Philippine time).

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Ancajas acknowledged that he has a bittersweet feeling about the match.

“Masaya na malungkot po ang nararamdaman ko talaga sa laban na yun (I feel happy and at the same time sad about this bout),” said Ancajas.

Explaining the positives, he said, “Unang-una, masaya ako na puro Filipino yung maglalaban sa (First of all, I am happy that both Filipinos are contending for the) world championship. Bihira lang po talaga (ito) na mangyari sa Philippine boxing (This is such a rare event in Philippine boxing). Parang pinapakita namin na umaangat yung boxing po sa Pilipinas (We feel like we are showing that boxing here in the Philippines is booming).”

However, with only one Filipino wearing the belt after their 12-round affair, Ancajas said, “Malungkot po na may bababa sa aming isa (It is sad that one of us has to step down).”

He, however, said he would be fine with the result, even if Sultan, who earned the title opportunity after defeating fellow Filipino John Riel Casimero — a former world champ — takes the belt away from him, considering the career path they both took.

“Nadaanan ko rin yung katulad kay Sultan. Masaya ako kasi parang naabot niya din yung pangarap niya na maging (I had the same experience as that of Sultan. I am happy because it feels like he was able to reach his dream of becoming a) world champion,” Ancajas said.