The search continues for Manny Pacquiao's heir. If things fall into place, that next person in line might be Jerwin Ancajas.

The Panabo, Davao del Norte native will stake his junior bantamweight belt against Jose Alfredo Rodriguez of Mexico in Macau on January 29.

"He is one of the best at 115 pounds in the world, and with a little more experience, he'll be right there with all the top guys in the division, guys like (titleholder) Roman Gonzalez and (former titlist Carlos) Cuadras. He just needs a little more experience," Sean Gibbons, Ancajas' adviser, told Dan Rafael on ESPN.com.

• READ: Jerwin Ancajas adds name to circle of Pinoy world champions

Expectations have grown sharply for Ancajas, who won the 115-pound championship on September 3 at the expense of previously undefeated Puerto Rican fighter McJoe Arroyo.

Gibbons' outlook for the 24-year-old Ancajas (24 wins and 1 loss and 1 draw) is especially bold.

"Somebody will step out of Manny Pacquiao's shadow, and I believe Jerwin has the type of ability," Gibbons said in the same report. "He just needs more exposure and needs to get to the U.S., where HBO is doing fights in that division with Gonzalez."

Ancajas is being promoted by Pacquiao's MP Promotions.

The fight will take place at the Studio City casino resort.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)