Anjacas not taking Sultan lightly

CEBU, Philippines — Jerwin Ancajas (27-1-1, 19KOs) is tipped as the early favorite against his fellow countryman Jonas Sultan (14-3, 9KOs) in their historic bout this Sunday at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

Given his maturity and vast experience, some boxing experts have predicted Ancajas to win the first all-Filipino world title duel in 93 years.

But Ancajas has other things in mind.

Though primed and ready to defend his IBF super flyweight belt, Ancajas expressed his thoughts loud and clear that he has so much respect for Sultan and that there's no way he would take his equally-tough foe lightly.

"Sultan is hungry for a world title fight, to prove he is the best. I am confident, but not overconfident, because he's also Filipino. We are expecting a good fight for the fans," said Ancajas in a news release from his promoter, Top Rank Inc.

Ancajas perhaps has underlying reasons in making such cautionary pronouncement for himself.

Sultan was tagged as the underdog when he fought two-divison world champion Johnriel Casimero and two-time world title challenger Sonny Boy Jaro last year, yet he ended up pulling a big surprise.

Sultan of Cebu's fabled ALA Gym knocked out Jaro in round eight, then stunned Casimero by decision in their IBF elimination bout that earned him a mandatory shot at Ancajas' throne.

And Sultan hopes to accomplish the same feat versus Ancajas.

"This is very good for me because this is an important opportunity. Jerwin is a good fighter. He has speed and power. I trained hard. I have a really good plan for this fight," said Sultan.

They may be rivals in the ring come Sunday, but Sultan and Ancajas share the same honor and pride of raising the Philippine flag in this ground-breaking fight.

The last time two Filipino boxers figured in a world championship match was on May 2, 1925, when Pancho Villa defended his flyweight crown against Clever Sencion in Manila.

"For me, I'm really proud for this fight because I am the one fighting for a championship that is history-making in the Philippines. I am very grateful that I am the one. This is my dream in life, to fight for the world championship," said Sultan.

Ancajas shared the same sentiment. "There are many great fighters in the Philippines, and I am happy that Jonas and myself can share this big stage. We are making history, and I am glad that we can fight to see who is the best."