No stopping Ancajas bandwagon

The train keeps rolling for IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas who’s now on the record books as the longest-reigning Filipino titlist in the 115-pound division with six successful defenses under his belt. Last week, Ancajas battled Mexican challenger Alejandro Santiago to a split 12-round draw at the Oracle Arena in Oakland and while it wasn’t a dominant performance, the standoff meant the crown remained his.

Matchmaker Sean Gibbons and son Brendan

Ancajas and Santiago battle to a split 12-round draw.

Las Vegas-based international matchmaker Sean Gibbons called it “a bump in the road” as Ancajas failed to ignite the fireworks that lit up his first five defenses, four of which wound up inside the distance. Santiago’s in-and-out style made it difficult for Ancajas to unleash his lethal combinations, resulting in a tactical duel instead of an all-out war. When the decision was announced, Ancajas was downcast as he felt he let his countrymen down despite retaining the throne. But most ringsiders thought the Filipino had done enough to earn the verdict, only Santiago made it close.

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum chats with STAR columnist Joaquin Henson.

The late sportscaster Hermie Rivera’s son Noel presents former champ Luisito Espinosa’s gloves and shoes as mementos for Ancajas to fighter Mark Anthony Barriga and trainers Bobby Jalnaiz and Delfin Boholst.

Top Rank chairman Bob Arum has big plans ahead for Ancajas.  A unification showdown with hard-hitting WBC counterpart Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand is in the works for early next year. Ancajas said he’ll probably stick around the superflyweight division for one last fight against Rungvisai before moving up to the 118-pound bantamweight class where bigger game awaits. At 26, Ancajas is finding it increasingly difficult to stay in the 115-pound ranks.

Matchmaker Sean Gibbons’ wife Valerie with Ancajas and trainer Joven Jimenez

What was evident in Ancajas’ latest venture was his rising popularity with Filipino communities around the US. He thrilled Fil-Am fans with a 10th round knockout over Mexico’s Israel Gonzalez in Corpus Christi last February and also impressed the Filipino crowd with a clear-cut decision over Jonas Sultan in Fresno last May. A road warrior, Ancajas was just as spectacular in retaining his crown via knockouts over Jose Alfredo Rodriguez in Macau, Teiru Kinoshita in Brisbane and Jamie Conlan in Belfast last year.

Referee Lou Moret gives reminders to Ancajas in locker room talk.

In Oakland, Ancajas entered the ring wearing the Golden State Warriors No. 30 jersey of Steph Curry to the delight of the hometown fans. The day after the fight, he visited a fitness facility run by Filipinos and a high school gym in Daly City where a game in a Filipino recreational basketball league was in progress on the way to the airport for the flight back home. At the Daly City gym, Ancajas autographed T-shirts and thanked the Filipino community for supporting his journey to bring honor to the Motherland. Taking turns to greet the fans at halftime of the game were Ancajas’ trainer Joven Jimenez, Gibbons and his son Brendan, assistant trainer and two-time Asian Games boxer Delfin Boholst and the IBF No. 1 minimumweight contender Mark Anthony Barriga who’s due for a title shot in the US late this year.

PAL San Francisco station manager Orly Rodriguez with Ancajas, Barriga and Jimenez

Ancajas is welcomed at the airport by officers and staff of the Philippine Navy where he is an enlisted Chief Petty Officer.

Ancajas will never be another Manny Pacquiao because there can only be one Manny Pacquiao. But in his own right, Ancajas is making a name for himself in the fight game. He’s humble, dedicated and religious. Three days before leaving for Oakland, his wife Ruth gave birth to their third child, a baby girl. He’s inspired by his family to strive harder. His purses are increasing every fight from $3,700 when he wrested the IBF crown from McJoe Arroyo in 2016 to $140,000 when he battled Santiago.  Ancajas has a long way to go and more paychecks to deposit before hanging up his gloves as his story unravels in his quest for fame and fortune.