FORMER world champion Jerwin Ancajas returns to the US as he takes on Uraguayan Ruben Casero in an eight-rounder on Aug. 3, 2025 (PH time) at the Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California.
Ancajas makes his return to American soil after last fighting in 2023 when he defeated Wilner Sotto by a fifth round technical knockout in Minneapolis.
Ancajas reigned as the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight champion from 2016 to 2022. He fought most of his title fights in the US, including his two bouts against Fernando Daniel Martinez in 2022.
Since losing his world title in 2022, Ancajas won three of his next five contests. He’s coming off back-to-back wins over veteran Richie Mepranum and Thai journeyman Sukpasried Ponphitak.
The 33-year-old Ancajas is working his way up the super bantamweight for another shot at a world title. He’s currently rated No. 6 in both the IBF and the World Boxing Organization, No. 9 by the World Boxing Association, and No. 29 by the World Boxing Council. Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue currently holds all the belts in the super bantamweight division.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old Casero has had an inconsistent career. He’s won three of his last five fights in the past two years.
Casero will be fighting his most elite opponent in Ancajas. The most talented opposition that Casero has faced are undefeated prospect Jorge Chavez and Rodrigo Ruiz.
Casero is coming off a sixth-round stoppage of Federico Penarietta in Uruguay.
Ancajas is 36-4-2 with 24 knockouts, while Casero is 13-4 with five knockouts. / EKA