Push Admin

World-title fight featuring Pinoy vs. Pinoy: Is it good or bad for PH boxing?

Article (news)

Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/tvpatrol/09/21/sultan.jpg"/><figcaption>Jonas Sultan is expected to challenge countryman Jerwin Ancajas for the world junior-bantamweight title. But is that good for Philippine boxing? Santino Honasan, ABS-CBN Sports</figcaption></figure></div>Having two Filipino boxers battle for a world title is a rare occurrence in Philippine boxing.It is bound to happen again next year when Filipino upstart Jonas Sultan challenges Jerwin Ancajas for the world junior bantamweight title.According to veteran fight analyst Ed Tolentino, there have only been two all-Filipino world-title bouts in history.The first was when Pancho Villa defeated Clever Sencio to successfully defend the world flyweight belt in 1925. The second time was when Small Montana lost to Little Dado in a world flyweight championship bout in 1938.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/09/16/17/boxing-jonas-sultan-outpoints-ex-champ-casimero-in-pinoy-pride-42">READ: Jonas Sultan outpoints ex-champ Casimero in &#x27;Pinoy Pride 42&#x27;</a></li></ul>Tolentino doesn’t favor seeing two Filipinos competing for a world title.“It is unfortunate that two Pinoys are looking to eliminate each other,” he said.“On the surface, it’s bad because we don’t have that many prospects and now they are trying to eliminate each other. If we are like Mexico or the US, where prospects abound, it will not be an issue.”The Philippines only has three reigning champions: Ancajas, Milan Melindo (junior flyweight) and Donnie Nietes (flyweight).“That is why I think this is not the right time for Pinoy pugs to be battling each other,” Tolentino said.<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/news/07/02/070217_jerwin.jpg"/><figcaption>Jerwin Ancajas reacts after knocking down Teiru Kinoshita of Japan to the canvas to win his bout. File/Dave Hunt, AAP via Reuters</figcaption></figure></div>One way to avoid such bouts is to let the Filipino boxers campaign in other sanctioning bodies.“There are still the WBA, WBC and WBO to choose from. They can campaign there, take one of the titles,” Tolentino said.“If it’s really inevitable, they should figure in a unification fight. I prefer two Pinoy champs in a unification battle.”Sultan secured the right to battle Ancajas for the world junior bantamweight crown when he pulled off a unanimous decision win over Johnriel Casimero in their title eliminator over the weekend.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/02/17/jerwin-ancajas-stops-foe-in-7-retains-world-junior-bantamweight-title">READ: Jerwin Ancajas stops foe in 7, retains world junior-bantamweight title</a></li></ul>Ancajas&#x27;s camp welcomed the development and doesn&#x27;t mind a Pinoy-vs.-Pinoy clash.“OK lang na may makaharap na Pilipino kasi kahit sinong manalo sa Pilipinas pa rin ang belt,” Ancajas&#x27; coach, Joven Jimenez, said.ALA Boxing head coach Edito Villamor is just as excited to pit Sultan against Ancajas.Villamor said they will have to thoroughly prepare &quot;Zorro&quot; against a high-caliber fighter such as Ancajas.&quot;Marami pa siyang kulang kaya kailangang mag-prepare para sa world title fight,” Villamor said.(For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.)

Having two Filipino boxers battle for a world title is a rare occurrence in Philippine boxing. That could happen next year.

Having two Filipino boxers battle for a world title is a rare occurrence in Philippine boxing. That could happen next year.

World-title fight featuring Pinoy vs. Pinoy: Is it good or bad for PH boxing?

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Sports

World-title fight featuring Pinoy vs. Pinoy: Is it good or bad for PH boxing?

Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBN News

Published Sep 21, 2017 08:50 PM PHT

|

Updated Sep 21, 2017 08:54 PM PHT

Read More:

Jonas Sultan

Jerwin Ancajas

Edito Villamor

Joven Jimenez

Ed Tolentino

Boxing

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.