For Jerwin Ancajas of the Philippines, the original plan was to take care of Alejandro Santiago of Mexico and then head on over to Thailand and check out Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. The Thai pug is the biggest name in the boxing division and the Filipino boxer believes that a clash with him would be grand.
However, that may not be a good idea after Ancajas failed to impress against Santiago. He ended up settling for a draw with the Mexican boxer in their International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-flyweight title fight at the Oracle Arena.
Judge Marshall Walker scored it 118-111 for Santiago while Mike Tate had it 116-112 for Ancajas and Chris Wilson saw it 114-114 in a fight that surprised the IBF 115-lb titleholder, Manila Bulletin Sports said.
Ancajas claims that Santiago was a far different fighter from the one he saw on the video. The Filipino was making his sixth title defense after copping the belt two years ago.
Rather than set his eyes on Rungvisai, it may be better to redeem himself and consider a rematch against Santiago. If that is not in the cards, considering other fighters to face next would be advisable with Ancajas seemingly off sync.
It remains to be seen if Ancajas would push through with his plans to watch Rungvisai who is scheduled to face Iran Diaz at ONE: Kingdom of Heroes in Bangkok, Thailand on Oct. 6. Both will vie for the WBC Super Flyweight title in the 115-pound weight class.
The Thai champ is a favorite over the rising Mexican pug who may spring some surprises with famed boxer Juan Manuel Marquez at his corner. Similar to what Ancajas endured, Rungvisai cannot take Diaz lightly even if the fight is being held right in his hometown.
Ancajas believes that the camp of Santiago scouted him well for the fight. But being branded as one of the potential successors to Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, the Panabo-based boxer needs to understand that there is more to just punching your way to victory.
Being a draw, it would not come as a surprise if a rematch would take place. Santiago feels that he won the fight (clearly), just one of the multiple criticisms that marred the encounter, the LA Times said.
The same goes for Ancajas despite the unimpressive showing. He believes he mustered just enough to earn the victory – meaning this is a score left unsettled.
Both are expected to take some time off to recover from the action-filled encounter. Once they are ready, most would want to see if both camps can come to an agreement to see both fighters back in the ring for a rematch to settle the score.
