TOKYO - Going up against Takuma Inoue is like facing in the ring his older brother and undisputed world champion Naoya Inoue, according to Jerwin Ancajas.
But with less punching power.
"Si Takuma parehas sila talaga ng style ng kapatid niya. Pero may lakas lang talaga yung kuya," said the 32-year-old Filipino.
"Ganun ang nakita ko sa kanya."
But that doesn't mean Ancajas has no respect for the power of the reigning WBA bantamweight champion going to their world title fight on Saturday night at the Kokugikan Stadium.
"Sa taas ng ring dun na lang kami mag-a-adjust," said the former long-time IBF super-featherweight title holder, adding they are ready at whatever the Inoue camp would bring with them on the table.
Going by their records, Ancajas is the experienced and dangerous one behind his 34-3-2 slate including 23 KOs.
He will be fighting in his 13th title match, including nine straight title defenses of his IBF 115lbs belt.
Inoue meanwhile, hasn't been to as many world title fights in his career, the most prominent of which was a unanimous decision loss to Nordin Oubaali for the WBC bantamweight title in 2019 and a win over Liborio Solis last year for the WBA bantamweight crown.
His record stands at 18-1 with 4 KOs.
Ancajas said should there be an opening, they will definitely go for the knockout.
"Yun naman sinasabi sa akin ni coach Joven na kung may opening talaga na magandang patama, i-grab namin na yung opportunity kahit na ano mang round yun," said Ancajas.
"Siyempre hometown nila kaya kailangan natin ng impresibong panalo "
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