History is only two days away, as Jerwin “Pretty Boy’” Ancajas will defend the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight world title in the main event Saturday evening against countryman Jonas Sultan at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.
“For me, Filipino boxers fight with their heart, so I consider a Filipino opponent to be difficult in the ring,” Ancajas said. “It is God’s will that we are here, participants in the main event. I thank Top Rank for the opportunity.”
It marks the first world title bout featuring two Filipino fighters in 93 years, when Pancho Villa defended the world flyweight title against Clever Sencio on May 2, 1925.
Sultan said It has always been a dream if his to fight for a world championship, and this opportunity has come his way.
“Throughout my career, and when I was young, this is what I dreamed of. I am going to go all out to win this championship,” Sultan said. “I studied Ancajas’ style very carefully, and now it’s my opportunity to do what I can.”
In the co-feature, Great Britain’s Kal Yafai will make the third defense of his World Boxing Association (WBA) super flyweight title against David Carmona.
Yafai said he has come out here to deal with business, defend his world title, impress, look good, and dazzle in front of an American audience on ESPN+.
“On Saturday, he’s going to come across someone who is very quick,” Yafai said. “I think I’m just too good all around, and especially when I’m looking to make an explosive performance in my U.S. debut. I think he’s in a little trouble, but I’m going to go out there, box him, take what I can, and go from there.”
Ancajas vs. Sultan and Yafai vs. Carmona will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+ beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET.
“I’m ready to fight,” Carmona said. “I hope to have a good opponent in the ring. He’s a champion, and we’re going to make a good fight.”
The undercard includes undefeated welterweight prospect Alexander Besputin (9-0, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder against Saul Corral (27-11, 18 KOs).
Unbeaten lightweight prospect Ismail Muwendo (19-0, 12 KOs) will battle John Moralde (19-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-rounder; and Central Valley 130-pound prospects Bryan Lua and Isidro Ochoa in separate six-round bouts.
“I can show my power and my talent and my speed, but this Saturday night,” Lua said. “I want to show that I can box, I have power, and I have the one-punch knockout power as well.”
