Arroyo-Ancajas: IBF Orders February 2 Purse Bid Hearing

By Jake Donovan

With their teams failing to come to terms after two months of negotiation, McJoe Arroyo and Jerwin Ancajas will now be subject to the highest bidder for their forthcoming clash.

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has called for a February 2 purse bid hearing for the right to promote the ordered super flyweight title fight. The session will take place at IBF headquarters in Springfield, New Jersey.

Arroyo is represented by Peter Rivera’s Puerto Rico Best Boxing Promotions, while Ancajas fights under the Joven Sports Promotion banner, run by Joven Jimenez. An extended negotiation period between companies apparently went nowhere, as the IBF felt compelled to take control.

“On November 18, 2015 the IBF ordered IBF (115 lb.) champion McJoe Arroyo and Jerwin Ancajas to begin negotiations,” IBF President Daryl Peoples informed all registered promoters through an official letter, which has been obtained by BoxingScene.com. “They could not reach an amicable agreement within the time frame set by the IBF.

“Therefore, the IBF will call for purse bids in these offices on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 12 Noon.  Bids must be submitted at 11:45 AM to be promptly opened at 12 Noon.”

Arroyo (17-0, 8KOs) claimed the vacant title with a technical unanimous decision win over Philippines’ Arthur Villanueva in a Showtime-televised clash of unbeaten title challengers last July. Earning the fight, Arroyo outpointed another Philippine contender in a dominant 12-round win over Mark Geraldo in a final eliminator the previous December at home in Puerto Rico, preceded by an 11th round stoppage of Hernan ‘Tyson’ Marquez in June ’14 on the road in Chiapas, Mexico.

His first title defense will be a mandatory title defense versus Ancajas, marking his third straight match versus a boxer from Philippines. Arroyo and his twin brother McWilliams – a Top 10 flyweight contender - both served on the 2008 Puerto Rico Olympic boxing team.

Ancajas (24-1-1, 16KOs) was granted the mandatory position without so much as winning a sanctioned eliminator. The 24-year old southpaw has won 11 straight following the lone loss of his career, a 10-round decision to countryman Geraldo – the lone common opponent between Ancajas and Arroyo – in 2012. His most recent fight came last November, a 1st round knockout over sub .500 Paul Apolinario, after which negotiations were ordered to next face Arroyo.

The minimum allowable bid for an IBF super flyweight title fight is $25,000. All participating promoters are required to present a non-refundable check for $5,000, along with a separate check representing 10% of the total amount of the bid.

The latter must also include the intended date(s) and potential sites to stage said fight.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox