Sultan vows to go all-out in title match vs Ancajas

CEBU, Philippines — ALA Gym’s Jonas ‘Zorro’ Sultan (14-3, 9KOs)  vows to do whatever it takes to dethrone countryman Jerwin ‘Pretty Boy’ Ancajas (27-1-1, 19KOs) in their historic 12-round rumble for the IBF super flyweight belt tomorrow at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

It marks the first all-Filipino world championship bout in 93 years, when Pancho Villa defended his world flyweight title against Clever Sencio on May 2, 1925 in Manila.

During the event’s final press conference yesterday, a confident Sultan said he studied Ancajas’ style carefully and that he will go all-out for the win in what he considers as the biggest battle of his life.

“It has always been my dream to fight for a world championship, and this opportunity has come my 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,” said Ancajas in a new release from his promoter, Top Rank.

“I studied Ancajas’ style very carefully, and now it’s my opportunity to do what I can,” Sultan added.

On his end, Ancajas considers Sultan a highly dangerous foe but he is prepared and ready to counter whatever Sultan brings to their match.

“For me, Filipino boxers fight with their heart, so I consider a Filipino opponent to be difficult in the ring,” said Ancajas.

“It is God’s will that we are here, participants in the main event. I thank Top Rank for the opportunity.”

Ancajas is tipped as the early favorite over Sultan owing to his vast experience.

But Ancajas must be extra careful as Sultan always performed beyond expectations when the odds are stuck against him.               

Sultan was tagged as the underdog when he fought two-division world champion Johnriel Casimero and two-time world title challenger Sonny Boy Jaro last year, yet he ended up pulling a big surprise. He knocked out Jaro in round eight, then stunned Casimero by decision in their IBF eliminator to earn a mandatory shot at Ancajas’ throne.