CEBU CITY, Philippines—Jerwin “Fairly Boy” Ancajas wasted no time dispatching fellow Filipino Richie Mepranum, securing a second-round knockout victory to assert the Philippine Video games and Amusements Board (GAB) tremendous bantamweight title on Saturday, January 25, in Iligan Metropolis.
The previous world champion logged his second straight win since struggling a ninth-round stoppage loss to Takuma Inoue in February 2024 in Japan.
Ancajas delivered a devastating physique shot that floored Mepranum within the second spherical, sealing the win in emphatic vogue.
READ: Jerwin Ancajas battles harmful Richie Mepranum in Iligan Metropolis
The 33-year-old Ancajas, one in every of MP Promotions’ prime boxers, improved his skilled document to 36 wins (24 KOs), 4 defeats, and two attracts.
CONFIDENCE BOOSTER
Recognized for his lengthy reign because the Worldwide Boxing Federation (IBF) world tremendous flyweight champion from 2016 to 2021, Ancajas has been working his manner again into title rivalry.
READ: Ancajas on a mission to finish Philippines’ world title drought in Japan
Earlier than defeating Mepranum, he earned a bounce-back victory over Sukpasried Ponphitak by way of disqualification in Manila final September.
This newest win was a press release efficiency, with Ancajas touchdown a wonderfully timed proper uppercut to Mepranum’s stomach. The influence despatched Mepranum to his knees, visibly writhing in ache, and unable to beat the referee’s depend.
READ: Ancajas loses to Inoue by way of a ninth rd. KO in world title duel
Mepranum, a seasoned veteran with 38 wins (12 KOs), 10 losses, and one draw, noticed his back-to-back victories over Dexter Alimento and Kim Lindog from 2023 to 2024, come to an finish.
Saturday’s victory was a big confidence booster for Ancajas as he seems to climb larger within the bantamweight world rankings.
At present ranked No. 8 by the WBA and No. 13 by the WBO, he’s desperate to proceed his journey towards regaining world championship standing.
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