Jerwin Ancajas will face Ruben Dario Casero on August 2 in Long Beach, marking a crucial step in his pursuit of another world title at 122 lbs.
Former world champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas is officially set to return to the ring as he takes on Uruguay’s hard-hitting Ruben Dario Casero in an eight-round super bantamweight clash on August 2 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California.
The 33-year-old Ancajas (36-4-2, 24 KOs) was initially rumored to appear on the Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios card last weekend but saw plans scrapped after multiple opponent rejections by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Now, the ex-IBF super flyweight king finally gets a crucial fight that could bring him closer to another world title shot at 122 pounds.
“They already informed me of that fight prior to the Pacquiao-Barrios fight week. All good so far in my training and conditioning,” said Ancjas. “My opponent is so aggressive, that is why I must always be cautious.”
The Filipino boxer has been in the United States since July, training hard after assisting fellow Olympian Eumir Marcial in his recent TKO win.
[ALSO READ: Eumir Marcial scores emphatic round 3 KO on Pacquiao-Barrios undercard]
His opponent, Casero (13-4, 5 KOs), enters the bout coming off a sixth-round technical knockout victory over Argentina’s Federico Andres Penarrieta in May. The 32-year-old knockout artist will look to derail Ancajas’ climb in the division.
MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons emphasized the importance of this fight for Ancajas.
“Finally, Jerwin will be fighting for his third super bantamweight bout. This is another stepping stone for him to fight for a world title,” said Gibbons. “One of the final steps for Jerwin being able to move into another world title opportunity, but he must win this fight.”
Ancajas is currently unbeaten at 122 lbs, following a DQ win over Sukpasried Ponphitak and a second-round KO of Richie Mepranum.