Magsayo keeps his file intact

Through Michelangelo S. Murillo, Senior reporter

FILIPINO world champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas retained his International Boxing Federation (IBF) super fly title in another successful defense Sunday (Manila time) in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Ancajas, a Davao del Norte native, back in action after 16 months, defeated Mexican Jonathan Javier Rodriguez by unanimous decision (115-112, 116-111 and 117-110) in their 12-round collision at Mohegan Sun Arena .

It was the ninth successful title defense for Mr Ancajas, who improved to 32 wins after the win from two losses.

Filipino Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo also claimed victory over American Pablo Cruz on Sunday with a fourth-round stoppage to keep his unblemished record intact.

Despite the forced long break he had due to the ongoing pandemic, Mr Ancajas was at the top of his game, holding out against Mr Rodriguez’s fiery challenge.

The Filipino champion pummeled his Mexican opponent with revealing shots throughout the bout, punctuated by a knockdown at the end of the eighth round.

Mr. Rodriguez tried to recover after being knocked down, but Mr. Ancajas remained in control on his way to the hard-won unanimous decision victory.

“It’s the hardest fight for me [so far]Mr. Ancajas said after the fight, describing his battle with Mr. Rodriguez, which ultimately took place after being postponed several times previously for various reasons.

Mr Ancajas, 29, an IBF super fly champion since 2016, is now hoping his latest win will propel him into more fights with elite fighters in his division.

With the loss, Rodriguez, 25, fell to 22-2 and saw his winning streak end at six fights.

MAGSAYO ALSO WINS
Magsayo, the top Filipino featherweight contender, also won Connecticut.

The Boholano boxer impressed with a fourth round technical knockout of the Houston Cruz fighter in their 10-round undercard bout.

After sensing things in the first lap, Mr. Magsayo increased the intensity in the following laps.

He scored a knockout in the second round on a jab and again let his opponent down in the third.

Mr. Magsayo continued to put pressure on his opponent in the fourth round, eventually landing a straight that sent Mr. Cruz back to the canvas and marked the end of the fight.

The victory extended his unbeaten streak to 22 fights, including 15 by knockout.

It was Mr. Magsayo’s second victory under MP Promotions of Manny Pacquiao, with whom he signed up last year.