This Saturday, Takuma Inoue steps into the ring at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo for his highly anticipated first defence of the WBA bantamweight world title. His challenger? The experienced Jerwin Ancajas, who’s looking to upset the champion and add another world title to his name.
Inoue, riding a five-fight win streak, is known for his aggressive style and powerful punches. Ancajas, a former IBF super-flyweight champion, is a skilled boxer with a diverse arsenal. This promises to be a thrilling battle between two determined fighters.
Takuma Inoue, the younger brother of pound-for-pound boxing superstar Naoya, faces his first defence of the vacant WBA bantamweight title he claimed last April. Having outpointed veteran Liborio Solis over 12 gruelling rounds, Inoue now sets his sights on Jerwin Ancajas in Tokyo this Saturday.
This fight, originally scheduled for November, was delayed due to Inoue suffering a rib injury. Now fully recovered, the Japanese boxer will be eager to showcase his skills and cement his position in the division. Can Inoue hold on to the title, or will he crumble under pressure and lose it right away? Here are our Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas betting tips, with the latest odds from bookmaker William Hill.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 22nd, 2:00 P.M. (GMT)
As odds currently stand, Inoue is favoured to defend his title at 1.44. Anacajas is at 2.75 to snatch the belt from its current holder, and the likelihood of a stalemate is backed at 15.00.
While Takuma Inoue boasts an impressive 18-1 record, his lack of knockout power might surprise some. Despite turning pro in 2013, only four of his victories have come via KO, suggesting a technical boxing style rather than a reliance on raw power. Instead of relying on brute force, Inoue’s success hinges on his nimble footwork, sharp counter-punching, and an uncanny ability to outbox opponents.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 22nd, 2:00 P.M. (GMT)
Even though momentum is heavily in the Japanese fighter’s favour, Ancajas will come into this fight with ample belief. Experience is undeniably Ancajas’s trump card. With 12 world title fights under his belt compared to Inoue’s two, he’s battled through a tougher crucible. Moreover, his southpaw stance mirrors that of Oubaali, the only fighter to vanquish Inoue in the pro ranks. This could be a potential blueprint for an underdog Ancajas victory and we are tempted to go for it.
Ancajas has proven his ability to adapt to different weight classes and his prior experience in a heavier division could be a game-changer. His heavier hitting might spell bad news for Inoue. The Filipino is a no-nonsense boxer who loves to get on his front foot and take the fight to the rival. Inspired by his stunning 68% KO/TKO record, backing a Ancajas KO/TKO at 6.00 could be incredibly rewarding.
