Jerwin’s foe fights like Marquez

MANILA, Philippines — Challenger Israel (Jiga) Gonzalez is like a mystery to IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas because the Mexican’s only fight available for the Filipino to study is a 10-round win by decision over former WBO lightflyweight titlist Ramon Garcia in 2016.

Ancajas’ manager and trainer Joven Jimenez said from what he saw on the video, Gonzalez fights more like Juan Manuel Marquez than Marco Antonio Barrera or Erik Morales but isn’t in the same class. Jimenez said he searched in the internet to view Gonzalez’ fights and found nothing. A video link of the Garcia fight was sent to Jimenez.

Without a clear idea of how Gonzalez fights, Ancajas will enter the ring to stake his crown against the Mexican at the Bank of America Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Saturday night (Sunday morning, Manila time). In contrast, Ancajas’ fights are widely accessible in the internet so Gonzalez has the advantage of a more studied scouting report.

“Wala kaming nahanap na laban ni Gonzalez sa YouTube,” said Jimenez. “Buti na lang may nagbigay ng link ng laban kay Garcia.” Gonzalez floored Garcia twice in the fight and won handily. Garcia, who lost his WBO title to Donnie Nietes in Bacolod City in 2011, retired after the beating. “Sa laban kay Garcia, mayroon kaming mga napuna,” said Jimenez. “Ang problema two years ago na yung laban kaya baka nagbago na ang style ni Gonzalez. Ang pinakita ni Gonzalez sa laban ay yung counterpunching niya, parang Marquez. Ang gamit niya ay right straight. Hindi siya magalaw, hindi takbuhin, hindi atrasin, mahina ang footwork. Pasugod at bihira mag-lateral.”

Jimenez said Gonzalez is no easy opponent but Ancajas is ready to tackle whatever style he brings. “Mahirap na kalaban si Gonzalez,” he said. “Ang advantage ni Jerwin ay footwork at power.” Jimenez said Ancajas won’t rush to score a knockout. “Hindi siya magmamadali,” he went on. “Kung magmadali siya, magiging pangit ang laban niya kasi lalabas na wild siya.”

Jimenez said Ancajas will raise his workrate against Gonzalez. In Belfast last November, Jimenez said Ancajas used basic 1-2 combinations in halting Irish challenger Jamie Conlan in the sixth round. Ancajas backtracked after throwing combinations for defensive purposes. But against Gonzalez, the plan is to increase his volume with four to five punch combinations. 

Jimenez said it’s Ancajas’ dream to take on marquee fighters in the 115-pound division like WBC champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand, Carlos Cuadras and Chocolatito Gonzalez. On Feb. 24, Rungvisai will defend his crown against Mexico’s Juan Francisco Estrada in Los Angeles and Cuadras will face McWilliam Arroyo in the undercard. Ancajas and his traveling party will leave Texas for Manila the day after the fight so they’ll watch the Los Angeles fights at home on TV.

But before Ancajas can take on Rungvisai or Estrada or Cuadras, he has to dispose of Gonzalez then repulse countryman and No. 1 contender Jonas Sultan in a mandatory defense. The fight against Sultan could be in the undercard of a Top Rank extravaganza being planned for Madison Square Garden in New York City on April 14 with Jeff Horn meeting Terence Crawford in the mainer and Manny Pacquiao battling an unnamed opponent, possibly Mike Alvarado, in the chief support.

Jimenez said at the moment, Ancajas has no plan to move up to bantamweight. He usually walks around weighing 130 to 133 pounds. When Ancajas left Manila last Thursday, he was down to 121. Jimenez said there should be no problem making the superflyweight limit of 115 for Gonzalez.