Prepare for fireworks on Feb 24, as Japan’s very own Takuma Inoue steps into the ring to defend his WBA bantamweight title against the Filipino powerhouse and former champ, Jerwin Ancajas live on ESPN+ at 4 am ET – The iconic Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo sets the stage for this explosive international fight night.
Inoue, who shares bloodlines with the phenomenal Naoya Inoue, is prepped and primed to guard his title for the first time. But Ancajas isn’t stepping into the ring for sightseeing; he’s eyeing to clinch a world title across two weight divisions.
Let’s talk stats. Inoue’s professional journey of nine years boasts an 18-1 record, with 4 of those victories by knockout. This dynamo faced Nordine Oubaali back in November 2019, hitting the canvas early but bouncing back with the heart of a lion. Since then, he’s been unbeatable, snatching the vacant WBA title in a skilled win against Liborio Solis just this April.
This 31-year-old southpaw Ancajas, with a 34-3-2 record and 23 KOs, seized the IBF junior bantamweight world title in 2016. After nine successful defenses, a couple of bumps came along, but he’s back, fresh from a TKO victory over Wilner Soto this June.
WBA bantamweight title bout
Takuma Inoue 117.75
Jerwin Ancajas 117.75
WBC bantamweight title bout
Alejandro Santiago 117.75
Junto Nakatani 117.5
WBO junior bantamweight title bout
Kosei Tanaka 114.75
Christian Bacasegua 114.75
