Word has reached the camp of world super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas that a Mexican warrior is being eyed to test him when he makes his US debut on Feb. 3 next year in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum has reserved the 10,000-seater American Bank Center as venue for Ancajas’ first fight on US shores following the International Boxing Federation 115-lb champion’s rousing third defense of the title in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
“That’s what we’ve been told,” said Ancajas’ chief handler and trainer Joven Jimenez, who is closely working with well-connected American agent Sean Gibbons about the February fight against “a Mexican challenger.”
Based on the latest IBF ratings, there are two Mexicans listed in the top 15: Israel Gonzalez of Los Cabos and Victor Sandoval of Tijuana.
Gonzalez has a 21-1-0 win-loss-draw card with eight KOs while Sandoval has a 26-3-0 slate with 18 KOs.
Ancajas, who floored hometowner Jamie Conlan four times at the SSE Arena in Belfast en route to a sixth-round stoppage, has a 28-1 mark with 19 KOs.
As this developed, Ancajas’ training camp proper kicks off Monday in Magallanes, Cavite.
Since turning professional in 2009, Ancajas has also fought in Macau, China and Brisbane in Australia last July when he fought underneath the Manny Pacquiao headliner against Jeff Horn.
Jimenez said Ancajas is thrilled to showcase to his wares before American fight fans.
“It’s his dream to fight in the US and he promises to put on a great show,” said Jimenez, who is keenly awaiting the arrival of Gibbons in the second week of December so his team can finalize everything their travel to the US.
