Jerwin Ancajas has his sights set on Naoya Inoue’s WBA bantamweight belt

Filipino boxer Jerwin Ancajas is gearing up for a shot at the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight division title as he prepares to face defending champion Takuma Inoue at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday, February 24.

This bout marks Ancajas’ significant move up to the bantamweight class (118 pounds) after previously holding the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt in the junior division (115 pounds) from 2016 until 2022. Ancajas faced setbacks, losing his belt to Argentine Fernando Daniel Martinez in February 2022 and falling short in a rematch later that year.

Determined to make his mark in the bantamweight division, Ancajas showcased his skill and power in his first bout, securing a fifth-round knockout victory over Colombian Wilner Soto in June 2023, setting the stage for a title showdown against Inoue, the younger brother of undisputed champ Naoya Inoue.

Beyond personal glory, Ancajas, with a record of 34-3-2, aims to bring home a world title for the Philippines, following Marlon Tapales’ loss to Naoya Inoue in their super bantamweight unification match in December.

Despite facing Inoue in his home territory, Ancajas remains unfazed, drawing confidence from his extensive experience in hostile environments.

On the other side, Inoue, with a record of 18-1, acknowledges Ancajas as his toughest opponent to date and expresses his determination to emerge victorious in their bout.

With both fighters prepared for an intense showdown, the stage is set for a thrilling clash between two skilled pugilists vying for bantamweight supremacy.

Sports News: Jerwin Ancajas has his sights set on Naoya Inoue’s WBA bantamweight belt