Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas Preview and Free Pick

The Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, Japan, will be the scene of one of the most anticipated fights among boxing fans, as Takuma Inoue will challenge for his world title against Filipino Jerwin Ancajas, in a fight that could not take place last year due to a rib injury suffered by Inoue. 

Takuma, the younger brother of multiple world champion Naoya Inoue, will put the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight belt on the canvas for the first time, looking to prove that the expectations on his fists are real. 

However, in the ring he will not have an easy evening, since he will face a more experienced opponent who already reigned in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-bantamweight a couple of years ago. 

There will be 12 rounds where the agility of the Japanese will be measured against the experience and greater weight in the punches of the Filipino. 

When and Where?

Saturday, February 24, 4:00 am ET at the Kokugikan in Tokyo, JP

Ring Walks:

(Estimated) 5:00 AM ET 

Moneyline odds: 

Takuma Inoue 1.38 

Jerwin Ancajas 3.355 

Where To Watch: 

ESPN+ 

Why bet on Takuma Inoue?

Takuma Inoue is a 28-year-old fighter looking to step out of the shadow of his brother, puncher Naoya Inoue, one of the best in the world and a four-division champion. It’s not an easy mission, but he already has a sash under his belt to show for it. 

Takuma’s last fight was on April 8 last year, when he beat Liborio Solis by unanimous decision to win the vacant bantamweight title. 

His career totals 18 wins and just one loss. However, it should be noted that Inoue doesn’t stand out for the strength of his fists, as he has only scored four knockouts since his promotion to the pros in 2013. 

Rather, he is a fighter who has shown agility in his legs, the ability to exchange punches, and the certainty that he can out-punch his opponent, only to end up getting his arms raised on points. 

He could be considered an orthodox in the field, with a height of 1.64 meters and a reach of 1.63 meters. In both respects, he falls short of his opponent. 

The last time he stepped into a ring and didn’t win, which is also the only time it happened to him, was on November 7, 2019, when he failed to beat Nordine Oubaali. After that, she accumulates five wins in a row. 

Another fact to highlight is that he fights at home. 

Why bet on Jerwin Ancajas?

If it is for favoritism, surely, Jerwin Ancajas has little to do on Japanese soil, but boxing is a sport of surprises, and that is what this 32-year-old fighter from the land of the great Manny Pacquiao will be looking for. 

The Filipino was already a 114-pound champion between 2016 and 2020 until he was defeated by Fernando Martinez. In 2023, he returned to the ropes and scored a five-round win over Wilner Soto at 121 pounds. 

Ancajas has shown that he has no problem in varying his weight, but for this fight, he will have an aspect in his favor, and that is that coming from a higher division, the power of his punches will have a greater impact on the body of his opponent. 

Ancajas has been a professional since 2009. Since then, he has accumulated 34 wins, three defeats, none of them by knockout, and two draws. However, since 2020, he has only fought four times, which could raise some questions about his physical shape. 

With his trainer, he has been preparing since December last year in Las Vegas, so he expects to be in top shape to achieve a historic victory for his career. 

Final Betting Analysis – Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas

The first defense of a title in boxing doesn’t tend to be that great of a challenge. Most organizations are worried about letting the champions enjoy themselves a little. The only exceptions are the rematches, which tend to be subject to a contract obligation. That is not the case here, as Inoue will have to face a fighter with just a handful of fights in the last four years, so rust may be an issue.

At Gambyl Exchange we find that Takuma Inoue is the favorite of the match with a Moneyline of 1.38, while Jerwin Ancajas has 3.355. 

That doesn’t mean that the Filipine ex-champion is an easy treat. He comes from a higher division and has more power in his punches, but it’s not the first that the Japanese champion face that kind of thing. He’s an intelligent fighter and will control the tempo of the duel until getting a comfortable win by unanimous decision.

Go for a win in Takuma Inoue’s Moneyline. If you bet $100 on the win at 1.38, you will gain $38 for a total payout of $138. 

Takuma Inoue vs. Jerwin Ancajas Betting Pick: Takuma Inoue