9th title defense

Jerwin Ancajas. (File photo)
Jerwin Ancajas. (File photo)

INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight king Jerwin Ancajas had a successful ninth title defense after a unanimous decision victory over mandatory challenger Jonathan Javier Rodriguez in a 12-round war on Sunday, April 11, 2021 (PH time) in the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, USA.

Judge Tony Paolillo had it 115-112, Tom Schreck scored it 116-111 and Don Trella saw it 117-110, all in favor of Ancajas.

“I appreciate Rodriguez’s effort. This ninth defense was my hardest. It was very difficult,” admitted Ancajas after the fight.

Ancajas and Rodriguez didn’t need a feel-out round as both pugs immediately pressed the action in the opening round.

The 29-year-old Ancajas was methodical with his approach, fighting outside and landing his jabs and straight punches to the body.

Rodriguez started to connect in the fourth round and landed a heavy left on Ancajas.

In the sixth round, Ancajas changed his approach, went in, and exchanged heavy blows with Rodriguez in one of the most exciting rounds of the fight.

Ancajas finally found his mark and landed a left straight that dropped Rodriguez near the ropes in the eighth round.

“I was shocked by the knockdown. I knew Rodriguez was tough but that proves that I have power in my punches,” said Ancajas.

The 25-year-old Rodriguez survived the count but looked wobbly. He, however, came alive in the following round and exchanged blows with Ancajas, who looked a little bit tired.

The action continued in the 11th round with Rodriguez landing a good right hook, while Ancajas connected with a thudding right hook to the body.

Even though both fighters looked spent, Ancajas and Rodriguez finished the fight with a bang, trading heavy punches up until the final bell.

Ancajas, now unbeaten in nine years, improved to 33-1-2 with 22 knockouts, while Rodriguez, who put on a gallant effort, dropped to 22-2 with 16 knockouts.

“I’ll wait for the plan of Sir Sean (Gibbons) and my promoter. I want a unification if given the opportunity. I hope I’ll be able to face (Juan Francisco) Estrada or Chocolatito (Roman Gonzalez),” he said.

Meanwhile, Mark Magsayo (22-0, 15 KOs) remained unbeaten with a fourth round stoppage of Mexican Pablo Cruz (21-4, 6 KOs) in the undercard.

Magsayo dropped Cruz in the second, third and fourth rounds. Cruz beat the third knockdown but referee John Callas stopped it 48 seconds into the fight for a technical knockout win for Magsayo. (EKA)

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