Jerwin Juntilla Ancajas Bio
Jerwin Juntilla Ancajas, born on January 1, 1992, in Panabo, Davao del Norte, Philippines, is a Filipino professional boxer. Known by his ring name Pretty Boy, Ancajas held the IBF junior-bantamweight title from 2016 to 2022 and has been active in professional boxing since 2009.
Early Life and Background
Jerwin Ancajas was born and raised in Panabo, a suburb of Davao City in the Philippines. He was introduced to boxing in the second grade by his brother Jesar Ancajas, who played a significant role in his early development in the sport. Ancajas had a distinguished amateur career, compiling a record of 90 wins and 5 losses, and won several national championships including a gold medal at the Palarong Pambansa.
Path to Boxing
Ancajas turned professional in 2009 at the age of 17. His early career was marked by steady progress through regional competitions, gaining experience and recognition. He won his first major title, the WBO Asia Pacific Youth junior-bantamweight title, against Rex Tito, which helped establish his presence in the professional boxing scene.
Jerwin Juntilla Ancajas Career
Early Career (2009–2015)
Ancajas made his professional debut in July 2009. During his early years, he built a strong record, though he suffered a notable loss in his fifteenth bout against Mark Anthony Geraldo by majority decision. Despite this setback, Ancajas continued to develop his skills and reputation, setting the stage for future title opportunities.
IBF Junior-Bantamweight Breakthrough (2016–2022)
Ancajas captured the IBF junior-bantamweight title on September 3, 2016, by defeating McJoe Arroyo via unanimous decision, dropping Arroyo in the eighth round. This victory marked the beginning of a dominant reign. He successfully defended his title multiple times, including a technical knockout win over José Alfredo Rodríguez in January 2017 and a seventh-round TKO against Teiru Kinoshita in July 2017. Ancajas continued to defend his belt against top contenders such as Jamie Conlan, Israel González, Jonas Sultan, and Ryuichi Funai, showcasing his skill and resilience.
Later Title Defenses and Career Highlights (2018–2022)
In December 2017, Ancajas signed with Top Rank and made his U.S. debut in February 2018, successfully defending his title against Israel González. He maintained his championship status with wins over Alejandro Santiago Barrios (draw), Ryuichi Funai (TKO), Miguel Gonzalez (sixth-round TKO), and Jonathan Javier Rodriguez (unanimous decision) in 2021. Ancajas’s reign as IBF junior-bantamweight champion lasted until 2022, marking a significant period of dominance in his weight class.
Boxing Style and Strengths
Jerwin Ancajas fights from a southpaw stance and is known for his technical skill, strategic approach, and effective body punching. His reach of 169 cm and height of 168 cm complement his style, allowing him to control distance and deliver powerful combinations. Ancajas has demonstrated strong endurance and adaptability throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Ancajas’s victory over McJoe Arroyo to claim the IBF junior-bantamweight title stands as a career-defining moment. His multiple successful title defenses, including several by technical knockout in different countries, highlight his international presence and skill. Ancajas’s U.S. debut and signing with Top Rank further elevated his profile in the boxing world.
Jerwin Juntilla Ancajas Career Wins
Jerwin Ancajas has compiled a professional record of 42 fights, with 37 wins, including 24 by knockout, 2 draws, and 4 losses. His career features numerous title defenses and victories over top-ranked opponents.
IBF Junior-Bantamweight Highlights
Ancajas won the IBF junior-bantamweight title in 2016 and defended it successfully multiple times until 2022. His first title win was a unanimous decision over McJoe Arroyo, and his most recent defenses included a sixth-round TKO of Miguel Gonzalez and a unanimous decision over Jonathan Javier Rodriguez.
Other Wins and Performances
Aside from his IBF title reign, Ancajas won the WBO Asia Pacific Youth junior-bantamweight title early in his career. He has also secured victories in various international bouts, demonstrating consistent performance across his professional tenure.
Jerwin Juntilla Ancajas Family
Family Background and Boxing Lineage
Jerwin Ancajas was introduced to boxing by his brother Jesar Ancajas, who has been a key influence in his career. The support of his family has played an important role in his development as a boxer.
Personal Life
Jerwin Ancajas currently resides in Brgy. Ramirez, Magallanes, Cavite, Philippines, living together with his brother Jesar Ancajas. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Jerwin Ancajas remains an active professional boxer. While no specific fights or titles are confirmed for this year, his experience and past championship pedigree position him as a competitive contender in the super flyweight division. His ongoing training and strategic approach suggest continued pursuit of high-level bouts and potential title opportunities.