A world title showdown between two Filipino boxers is something that Pinoy boxing fans and promoters wouldn’t want to see.
But it seems inevitable now in the case of reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) intercontinental super flyweight champion, Jonas “Zorro” Sultan of ALA Boxing Gym and International Boxing Federation (IBF) world super flyweight champion Erwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas.
The 26-year-old Ancajas is coming off a victory over Mexican Israel Gonzales last Sunday in the US. It was his fourth voluntary title defense and it was won in style — a 10th – round technical knockout.
Now that Ancajas is done getting rid of the voluntary challengers, next in line would be the mandatory super flyweight challenger, who happens to be Sultan.
Sultan, earned that right following an impressive unanimous decision win against two-division world champion Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino last September 16, 2017. That fight was a IBF world title eliminator for Ancajas’ title.
ALA Promotions International CEO Michael P. Aldeguer, the promoter of Sultan, told Cebu Daily News (CDN) the fight will certainly happen in the near future.
“Yes it will happen because it’s mandatory,” said Aldeguer, who added that if it pushes through, it would be better to hold it in the US.
Aldeguer admitted he really doesn’t quite like the idea of a Filipino versus Filipino world-title bout.
“My personal stand is, I’m not really for it since we are all Filipinos. We are used to supporting Filipino fighters regardless of where they are from,” Aldeguer said. “But on the other hand, if you look at the bigger picture, it could also put a stamp that the Philippines is a boxing powerhouse with all the Filipino fighters fighting on the world stage just like the Mexicans who fight each other all the time. We are open to it if it has to happen.”
Sultan, meanwhile, said he is ready to face Ancajas, especially after what he showed when he beat Casimero last year.
“I am ready for a world title shot,” Sultan told CDN. “I am in great shape and this is my chance to fight for a world title.”
There are a lot of things in common between the two boxers. Aside from being of the same age, both are also from Mindanao with Sultan (14 wins-3 losses-0 draws) coming from Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte and Ancajas (29-1-1) from Panabo City, Davao del Norte.
Although Sultan did acknowledge Ancajas’ talent and skills, he still has faith in his own set of boxing skillls. But he admitted that if the bout pushes through, he will have to train more.
“If he can become a world champion, I can become one also. If ever the fight will push through, I know that I can beat him,” said Sultan.