Analyst: Mark Magsayo now the frontrunner for the next face of PH boxing after Ancajas lost world title

Veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino believes that Jerwin Ancajas would have to take the backseat for now as the next flag bearer of Philippine boxing after his recent setback.

Ancajas, 30, lost his IBF world super flyweight world title in his 10th defense of the crown against Argentine Olympian Fernando Martinez via unanimous decision this past weekend. With this defeat, eyes have now turned to Mark Magsayo according to Tolentino.

“For now he has to take the backseat because he lost, we cannot deny that. Now the pressure is on Mark Magsayo. He is young, undefeated, he belongs to a good division, and holds a prestigious WBC world championship,” said Tolentino.

“Remember, Magsayo is just getting started while Ancajas has been a champion since 2016 before losing to Martinez. Ancajas will take the backseat, but he is not far [from the conversation]. Magsayo will get the benefit of the doubt right now as a new champion.”

The 26-year-old Magsayo (24-0, 16KOs) became the WBC world featherweight champion last January when he pulled off an upset over Gary Russell Jr. And while Ancajas’ momentum had been put to a halt, the veteran analyst iterated that he remains a top fighter even without a belt.

“Ancajas is not far from it. We cannot deny that he had a good, long title reign. He is an active fighter but his schedule got ruined because of the pandemic. Hopefully, he can stay active.”

—JMB, GMA News