Jerwin Ancajas retains 115-pound world title with dominating unanimous decision over Jonas Sultan

FRESNO, California – Although it may be shocking, it took nearly a century for all-Filipino world title fight to materialize. But Jerwin Ancajas-Jonas Sultan did not live up to to the hype Saturday before a crowd of 5,102 at Save Mart Arena in Fresno, California.

Although Sultan had his moments, it was mostly one-sided for Ancajas (30-1-1, 20 KO's), 26, who once again exemplified that he is one of the top fighters in the 115-pound weight class with a unanimous decision victory.

Sultan (14-4, 9 KO's), 26, was the IBF mandatory challenger, despite a relatively weak resume that generally consists of journeymen. However, his nine KO's were built up as a potential threat to Ancajas, but that could not have been farther from the truth.

Ancajas, a southpaw, used his jab and his ring generalship to outbox Sultan early in the fight. Sultan actually has a longer reach than Ancajas [67" to 66 1/2"], but his come forward style was effectively neutralized by Ancajas' boxing skills. Unfortunately, the California fans, who are more accustomed to high-action fights, did not show much love in the early going, as boos rang out around the arena.

Sultan altered his strategy in the middle rounds and found success on the inside, but Ancajas remained on the outside, and effectively countered Sultan with fast, effective combinations.

Both fighters let their hands fly to end the fight, but it was Ancajas who ran away with it. The scores were 119-109 (X2) and 117-111 for Ancajas. FightNights.com had it 119-109.

Both fighters finally let their hands go in Round 12, something that many fight fans in attendance wanted several rounds earlier.

“I am happy to defend my title, not only for my team, but for the Filipino people as well,” said Ancajas. "It was the best performance of my career. It is with great pride that I fought in such a historic fight. I used my amateur experience, and I was able to adjust as the fight went on.”