Jerwin Ancajas drew strength from support of kababayans in title fight

IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas admitted that his title defense match against Jonathan Rodriguez was a close one.

However, he had something he knew he could hold on to as he battled the Mexican fighter.

"As a champion, I would show that I would not easily give this away. I know that many of our compatriots are praying and supporting me," Ancajas said in Filipino in Chino Trinidad's 24 Oras report on Monday.

"During those close rounds, they are one of the things that gave me strength," he added.

Ancajas on Sunday successfully defended his title via a unanimous decision in Uncasville, Connecticut.

During the fight, he was aware of Rodriguez's passion for the sport and the history of Filipino and Mexican boxers fighting inside the ring. He acknowledged that the countries are boxing rivals and said that it takes nothing less than a Filipino fighter's best to go up against a Mexican opponent.

And while Ancajas emerged successful at the end of the day, he was impressed with what Rodriguez showed in the match.

"I'm happy that he showed his best. I want him to be known. In his next fights, everyone will know Jonathan Rodriguez," said Ancajas.

The Filipino said he was happy with own performance, but also rated it as a 7/10. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News