Ancajas has sights on unifying at 115

Jerwin Ancajas (31-1-1, 21 KOs) is one of boxing’s longest-reigning and most active champions and after his eigth title defense of his IBF junior bantamweight title Saturday, he wants more belts to collect.

In an interview with Boxingscene.com, Ancajas, spoke about having sights on capturing more belts at 115 pounds.

“I’m expecting this fight to be a challenge. Rodriguez is a traditional Mexican fighter who comes forward to fight. His heart is there. I’m sure he is prepared and will show his best,” Ancajas told BoxingScene.com. “I’m expecting this fight to be a challenge. I will do my best to put on a big fight for bigger things to come.”

Ancajas is looking to have a chance at a unification bout between current titleholders Kazuto Ioka (WBO) Khalid Yafai (WBA) and pound-for-pound WBC champion Juan Francisco Estrada.

“The plan is to win and unify the titles. We are looking for Estrada,” said Ancajas. “For me, I still want to remain at 115 and face the best of the best in this weight class. I want to take risks and beat the champions.”

JUST ANNOUNCED: Some ? is coming to Carson, Calif., Nov. 2 on the #BercheltSosa card on ESPN & ESPN+:

?? @JerwinAncajas defends his Junior Bantamweight title

?? Alex Saucedo makes his return to the ring

MORE ➡️ https://t.co/FTR8lbaBcL pic.twitter.com/ciYaVGkPj1

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) October 8, 2019

In order for that to happen Ancajas must get past Rodriguez (21-1, 15 KOs), a 24-year-old fighting for the first time outside of Mexico. Rodriguez is coming off a TKO win in June against Felipe Orucuta, who lost by decision to the hard-hitting Estrada in 2018.

“Rodriguez was really impressive in his last fight,” said Ancajas. “We’ve prepared hard for this fight. As a fighter, it is my job to put on a good fight and make it entertaining.”

I was a guest on the (un)Professional Boxing podcast and host Boxrec Grey has mentioned to me that Ancajas has a “garbage man type mentality”, where, he just shows up and faces whoever is in front him. Granted none of that has been tough competition for him this weekend co-headlining the Miguel Berchelt-Jason Sosa card out in the arena formerly known as StubHub Center this weekend in Carson, California.

One thing is certain is you have never seen Ancajas in action, you’ll be in for a treat on ESPN this weekend. Ancajas is heavily favored to get by Rodriguez, so if he is victorious this weekend, let’s hope this leads to bigger matches for him in 2020.