Wary of 'hungry' Sultan, Ancajas vows not to be overconfident

MANILA, Philippines – IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas understands that he has everything to lose in his upcoming title defense against countryman Jonas Sultan.

Sultan, in contrast, has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

That’s why the defending champion is packing just the right amount of confidence when he puts his title on the line — in the first all-Filipino world championship bout in nearly a century — at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California on Saturday (Sunday Manila time).

For Ancajas, overconfidence will spell doom.

"Sultan is hungry for a world title fight, to prove he is the best. I am confident, but not overconfident, because he's also Filipino,” the 26-year-old Ancajas said.

Ancajas and Sultan held a media workout Thursday, proudly showing off the result of weeks of training at their respective camps back home in the Philippines. Ancajas fights from the rising Survival Camp in Magallanes, Cavite, while Sultan is a product of the famed ALA stable in Cebu.

Both fighters promised fireworks in their historic bout.

“We are expecting a good fight for the fans," continued Ancajas (29-1-1 with 20 KOs), who has won his last four assignments by knockout.

"My goal is to entertain the crowd. For my fans, the Filipino community here, I'm looking forward to this fight," he added.

Regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s affair, Ancajas and Sultan will be forever linked in Filipino boxing lore.

The last time two Filipinos fought for a world title was on May 2, 1925, when boxing great Francisco Guilledo, popularly known as “Pancho Villa,” defended his flyweight crown against Clever Sencio in Manila.

Now, Ancajas and Sultan are about to again highlight the Philippines on the world boxing map.

"There are many great fighters in the Philippines, and I am happy that Jonas and myself can share this big stage. We are making history, and I am glad that we can fight to see who is the best," said Ancajas.

Sultan echoed the words of his upcoming foe.

"For me, I'm really proud for this fight because I am the one fighting for a championship that is history-making in the Philippines. I am very grateful that I am the one. This is my dream in life, to fight for the world championship," said Sultan, the mandatory challenger.

The 26-year-old fighter from Cebu earned the title shot when he outpointed former flyweight champion John Riel Casimero in their eliminator last year. Riding on a five-fight winning streak and winning four bouts by knockout, he will enter Sunday’s showdown as the underdog.

Sultan (14-3, with 9 KOs) vowed to seize moment.

"This is very good for me because this is an important opportunity. Jerwin is a good fighter. He has speed and power. I trained hard. I have a really good plan for this fight," he said.