Big year coming for Ancajas

MANILA, Philippines — IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas isn’t taking a break during the holidays. He’s busy training at the Survival Camp in Magallanes, Cavite and his coach Joven Jimenez said the other day while nothing is set for his next fight, staying in shape is a priority.

Ancajas turns 27 on Tuesday and even on his birthday, he’s not taking a day off. He’s hoping for a breakout year in 2019 and from the looks of things, the prospects are bright. Two options are on the table for Ancajas – a showdown with WBC titlist Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand or a mandatory defense against No. 1 contender Ryuichi Funai of Japan.

Jimenez said Top Rank has made a substantial offer for Rungvisai to take on Ancajas in April somewhere in the US. There is speculation that the offer is upwards of $500,000, assuring the Thai of his biggest paycheck ever. In Rungvisai’s back-to-back wins over Nicaragua’s Roman (Chocolatito) Gonzalez last year, he was paid a total of $245,000 – $75,000 for the first bout and $170,000 for the rematch. It’s not certain how much Ancajas will be paid if the fight pushes through but the purse could be at least $200,000. Ancajas’ largest paycheck was $140,000 for his sixth title defense against Mexico’s Alejandro Santiago in Oakland last September.

The scuttlebutt is English promoter Eddie Hearn has also offered Rungvisai a juicy contract to face unbeaten WBA ruler Khalid Yafai so the Thai is now weighing his alternatives. If Rungvisai chooses to battle Yafai, Ancajas will set his sights on Funai. Whomever is available, Ancajas said he’ll be ready.

At the moment, Ancajas’ diet is being supervised by nutrition expert Jeaneth Aro who’s designed a weight program to build his body to an optimum level. “Jerwin is bulking up so when it’s time to bring down his weight for a coming fight, there’s something to burn,” said Jimenez in Pilipino. “Against Santiago, Jerwin made weight too early and looked a little sluggish. Now, we’re following a nutrition program that will maximize his strength when he fights.” Aro, who’s consulted by several national athletes including Hidilyn Diaz, was recommended to Ancajas by lawyer and Jimenez’ close friend Bobbet Bruce.

Jimenez, Ancajas and matchmaker Sean Gibbons flew to Thailand to watch Rungvisai’s fight against Mexico’s Iran Diaz last October. After Rungvisai was declared the winner by unanimous decision, Ancajas entered the ring to congratulate the Thai. That fueled speculation of a looming duel. “Rungvisai is flat-footed and a perfect opponent for Jerwin who’s a counter-puncher,” said Bruce. “It’ll be an exciting fight because both are hard-hitters who don’t back down. I think it’ll be a more exciting fight for Jerwin than if he takes on Yafai or even (Mexico’s) Juan Francisco Estrada.”

Gibbons said living in the Survival Camp keeps Ancajas grounded. “Jerwin steps out of his house and walks into a heavy bag,” he said. “Top Rank has made an offer to Rungvisai’s camp. We understand there are others reaching out to Rungvisai. We’ll wait for their response then plan what’s best for Jerwin.”

Rungvisai, 32, has won his last 20 outings since 2014 and is a southpaw like Ancajas. He’s ranked No. 5 in the world pound-for-pound ladder.  The Thai is 2 1/2 inches shorter than Ancajas and his wingspan is three inches less. In his resume, Rungvisai lists nine Filipino victims, six by knockout. Included in the losers pool are Dondon Jimenea, Wilber Andogan, Lionel Mark Duran, Alvin Bais and Roque Lauro. His record is 47-4-1, with 41 KOs compared to Ancajas’ 30-1-2, with 20 KOs.

Funai, 33, has won his last seven outings, six by knockout including an eighth round stoppage of Filipino Warlito Parrenas last June. His record is 31-7, with 22 KOs. One of his losses was inflicted by Filipino Rolly Lunas who scored a ninth round disposal in 2012. Three of Funai’s setbacks came inside the distance. He has won 14 of his last 15 fights since 2012 and the only blemish in that stretch was a majority decision defeat to Sho Ishida in 2016.