Filipino champion Jerwin Ancajas poured all what he’s got and forced Mexican challenger Jose Alfredo Rodriguez to retire after seven rounds to successfully defend his IBF junior bantamweight crown on Sunday, January 29 at the Venetian in Macau, China.
The bell rang for 8th round but Rodriguez complained of lingering pain on his right shoulder. A pair of ring physicians checked on his shoulders and Rodriguez himself, his facial expression showing disgust and agony, confirmed that the challenger would not be able to continue.
The referee came to Ancajas’ corner and waved his hands to signal the end of the fight in favor of the champion from Panabo City.
It was the first defense of the title for Ancajas, who improved his record to 26 wins (17 KO), 1 loss and 1 draw. He won the crown against McJoe Arroyo in September last year.
Ancajas, fighting on all angles, dominated the first seven rounds especially in the 6th where he scored heavily on a bevy of combinations to the head and body.
Rodriguez fell to 32W (19KO) and 5 losses. (Randy Caluag)
