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| Jerwin Ancajas, second from right, will be defending his IBF super flyweight belt against compatriot Jonas Sultan, second from left. Jhay Oh Otamias/Top Rank (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
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 Dugout Philippines, Ancajas admitted that he has a bittersweet feeling about the match.
"Masaya na malungkot po ang nararamdaman ko talaga sa laban na yun," said Ancajas.
He then explained on the positives, "Unang-una, masaya ako na puro Filipino yung maglalaban sa world championship. Bihira lang po talaga na mangyari sa Philippine boxing [ito]. Parang pinapakita namin na umaangat yung boxing po sa Pilipinas."
However, with only one Filipino wearing the belt after their 12-round affair, Ancajas later said, "Malungkot po na may bababa sa aming isa."
Ancajas, however, later said that he will 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 world champion," Ancajas lauded Sultan's career.
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