ONE Championship a huge help for PHL boxing – IBF champ Ancajas

MANILA - Asia's largest mixed martial arts promotion, ONE Championship, recently made a surprise revelation that it's planning to make a splash in boxing together with its MMA and kickboxing events.

In its most recent event, last Friday's ONE Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena, the MMA promotion debuted its "ONE Super Series" which showcased elite kickboxers from around the globe.

One of the stars in attendance was IBF world super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, who commended the ONE's work in its production and promotion of fighters.

"This is the first time I've watched MMA, though I've always watched it on TV. It's a whole different experience seeing it live," said Ancajas.

"I lost my voice cheering for Honorio Banario and specially when Kevin Belingon was on the verge of winning. I am so happy they won."

The 26-year-old Ancajas (29-1-1, 20KOs) will defend his title for the fifth time against fellow Filipino Jonas Sultan on May 26 (May 27 PHL time) in the United States.

And while Ancajas is currently signed with Bob Arum's Top Rank and unable to compete under the ONE Championship banner, he is positive that the MMA promotion's dive into the boxing scene would make a huge impact in Philippine boxing.

"ONE Championship is a huge promotion, it will be good for boxing because there are few boxing promoters in the Phiilippines," Ancajas explained.

"This kind of support is needed, and should boxing have this kind of events, it will be a huge help for Philippine boxing." — DVM, GMA News