Ni Gilbert Espeña
TIYAK ang matinding bakbakan nina IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas at mandatory challenger Jonas Sultan makaraang ihayag ng Top Rank Promotions na ang sagupaang ito ang papalit sa laban nina eight-division world titlist Manny Pacquiao at dating WBO light welterweight champion Mike Alvarado sa Abril 14 sa Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tumanggi sa laban si Pacquiao makaraang mainsulto sa pagiging undercard lamang sa WBO welterweight crown showdown nina Australian champion Jeff Horn at Amerikanong si dating undisputed light welterweight champion Terence Crawford.
“Ancajas, who was impressive in a 10th round stoppage of Mexican Israel Gonzalez on Feb. 4 in Corpus Christi, Texas, will be staking the 118-pound title for the fifth time against Sultan, the mandatory challenger,” ayon sa ulat ng Philboxing.com.
“According to head trainer Joven Jimenez, they’re ready to stake the title against Sultan.
Ancajas has already started light training at Survival Camp in Magallanes, Cavite, and Jimenez said MP Promotions matchmaker Sean Gibbons is headed for Los Angeles to finalize the details,” dagdag sa ulat.
Ito ang kauna-unahang sagupaan ng dalawang Pilipino sa kampeonatong pandaigdig sa modernong panahon ng boksing matapos talunin sa puntos ni dating undisputed world flyweight champion Pancho Villa si challenger Clever Sencio sa sagupaan sa Maynila noong Mayo 2, 1925.
May rekord si Ancajas na 29-1-1 na 20 panalo sa knockouts samantalang may kartada si Sultan na 14 na panalo, 3 talo na may 9 pagwawagi sa knockouts.