On Saturday, April 10th, Jerwin Ancajas (32-1-2, 22 KOs) returns to action for the first time since December 2019, as he defends his IBF super flyweight title against Jonathan Javier Rodriguez (22-1, 16 KOs).
Jerwin finally steps back into the ring after two postponements, visa issues, and a pandemic. Will bettors at online boxing betting sites see him successfully defend his title or will Rodriguez pull off the upset?
The main card for this event begins at 9pm ET. The Ancajas vs Rodriguez fight is expected to start at 11 pm ET on Showtime.
Ancajas vs Rodriguez Betting Odds
The following odds are courtesy of Bovada:
| Fighter | Moneylines | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|
| Jerwin Ancajas | -1250 | Over 7.5 (-115) |
| Jonathan Rodriguez | +650 | Under 7.5 (-115) |
Ancajas comes into this bout as a large betting favorite with odds ranging from -1200 to -1300. He’s been the favorite in all of his fights dating back to before he captured the IBF belt.
Rodriguez is the underdog with odds ranging from +600 to +800. There’s very little betting data on his recent career. The over/under is set at 7.5 rounds with odds of -115 on both sides. There are numerous prop bets also available if interested.
Ancajas vs Rodriguez Preview
| Fighter | Jerwin Ancajas | Jonathan Rodriguez |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 29 | 25 |
| Height | 5’6” | 5’5” |
| Reach | 66.5” | — |
| Total Fights | 35 | 23 |
| Record | 32-1-2 | 22-1 |
| Knockouts | 22 | 16 |
Rodriguez Is a Live Dog in This Fight
Despite being a large underdog, Rodriguez is a live dog in this fight. He’s a talented boxer with heart, grit, and a willingness to engage in a firefight.
With his weight in check, all Jerwin Ancajas needs to do is focus on his twice-postponed fight with the dangerous Jonathan Javier Rodriguez. https://t.co/OyuZBZoMif
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) April 7, 2021
Rodriguez has won six straight fights since suffering the lone loss of his career via split decision three years ago.
He will put pressure on Ancajas and look to rough him up on the inside. That’s also his best opportunity since Jerwin is the more technically-skilled fighter.
About 16 of his 22 pro wins have come via TKO/KO, which is a 69.57% knockout percentage. He’s never been stopped in a pro fight.
Arnajas Dialed in for Return to Ring
Jerwin Ancajas had plenty of ups and downs during 2020. From visa issues to signing with a new promoter, Ancajas has certainly dealt with plenty of distractions outside of the ring.
However, he never let that get him down and remained focused despite the long wait to return to the ring:
“ ‘Waiting for a fight is not new to me. The same thing happened when I was chasing my first title fight against McJoe Arroyo because that also took years. I was just focused on my training. Now, I’m at 90% to 95% prepared for the fight,’ Ancajas explained. ‘I never lost focus because I just trust God’s plan for me. Everything I’m doing here is a sacrifice for my children.’ ”
Ancajas’ lone loss came in 2012 to Mark Anthony Geraldo via majority decision. He’s gone 19-0-1 since then.
Jerwin won the IBF title in September 2016 via unanimous decision against McJoe Arroyo. He’s successfully defended the title eight times since then.
22 of his 32 pro wins have come via TKO/KO which is a 62.86 knockout percentage. He’s also never been stopped in a fight.
Over/Under 7.5 Rounds
- Over 7.5 rounds (-115)
- Under 7.5 rounds (-115)
Three of Ancajas’ last five fights have gone over 7.5 rounds. Rodriguez has gone over 7.5 rounds in two of his last three fights.
This title bout is scheduled for 12 rounds and I believe we will go Over 7.5 rounds. I think the first few rounds will be a feeling out process for both men before the action picks up. There’s value with both options.
Pick: Over 7.5 Rounds
Odds: -115
$100 Could Win You…$186.96
Will Ancajas Keep His Title?
Once the fireworks start, we’re going to be in for an entertaining fight. I happen to think the first two rounds will be a feeling out process before the action really picks up.
I also believe that Ancajas will pick up the win in this fight. He’s the better overall fighter, but will face a rugged opponent that could force this contest to go the full distance if his chin proves durable.
I see the Filipino champ outworking and landing more punches, which will lead to a comfortable unanimous decision. I wouldn’t be surprised if he puts Rodriguez away in the championship rounds.
$100 Could Win You…$108.00
Rick Rockwell
As a longtime freelance writer, avid sports fan, former athlete, and experienced sports bettor, Rick Rockwell has risen up the ranks at GamblingSites.org to become the self-professed “King of the Blog” in his first year with the site. …
