Crossroad fight for Ancajas against Mepranum in Iligan

Although the longtime former world champion succeeded in his comeback fight against Thai Sukpasried Ponphitak last September 24 at 126 pounds, Ancajas wants to find out whether he’s more suited at 122 pounds.

Ancajas, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight king from 2016 to 2022, trained in Iligan for the 12-rounder that will determine whether the 33-year-old pride of Panabo, Davao del Norte can still make a run for a world crown.

Taking a foray in the featherweight division after getting knocked out for the first time by Takuma Inoue in their World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight title clash last February 24 in Japan, Ancajas won by disqualification over Ponphitak in Manny Pacquiao’s Blow By Blow at the Mandaluyong City Coliseum.

Ancajas, however, is far from satisfied and has decided to switch weight again.

Ranked 10th by the IBF, Ancajas trained in Iligan, following a regimen charted by chief trainer Joven Jimenez, who returned to Manila from a coaching stint in Las Vegas, to be at his prized ward’s corner.

Ancajas said he’s familiar with Mepranum’s style even during their amateur days and isn’t taking him lightly.

“Hindi puwede magkumpyansa kasi naghanda din si Richie. Focus lang sa plano at laro,” Ancajas told Rappler.

(I can’t be overconfident because Richie also prepared. I just have to focus on my plans and my game.)

If Ancajas (35-4-2, 23 knockouts) beats the 37-year-old Mepranum (38-9-1, 12 knockouts) convincingly, MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons is likely to bring him back to Las Vegas and prepare for a possible world title eliminator this year.

An unlikely failure, however, could dampen Ancajas’ bid for another crack at ring glory. – Rappler.com