Ancajas to be feted in donning rites
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 16 Aug 2019
IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas will take a break from camp at the Naval Education and Training Command base in San Antonio, Zambales, to be honored in donning rites formalizing his promotion to Senior Chief Petty Officer at the Philippine Navy Headquarters on Roxas Boulevard this Monday morning.
Ancajas set up camp in Zambales last week to prepare for his eighth title defense in October. His trainer/manager Joven Jimenez brought in a platoon of sparmates for Ancajas whose next opponent is still undetermined. The sparmates are Abu Dhabi-based Pakistani superlightweight Usman Wazeer, unbeaten Bukidnon superlightweight Daniel Lim, unbeaten Bukidnon lightflyweight Angelo Beltran, Zamboanga del Sur flyweight John Mark Alimane and rookies George Nuez of Iligan and Alexis Abillar of Taguig.
Jimenez said Ancajas? opponent could be No. 14 contender Miguel Gonzalez of Chile. An attempt was made to sign up former WBC superflyweight titlist Carlos Cuadras but the 30-year-old Mexican has moved to the bantamweight division and isn?t inclined to drop back down to 115. Another option is No. 3 contender Alexandru Marin, a Romanian based in Maryland. Marin, 27, has an 18-0 record, with 11 KOs. Last September, Marin beat Filipino Bruno Escalante on a split 10-round decision in Inglewood.
The No. 1 and No. 2 slots are vacant in the IBF?s latest superflyweight rankings. Marin is listed No. 3, Donnie Nietes No. 4, Japan?s Sho Ishida No. 5, Australia?s Andrew Moloney No. 6, Japan?s Koki Eto No. 7, Mexico?s Israel Gonzalez No. 8, South Africa?s Yanga Sigqibo No. 9 and Japan?s Ryuichi Funai No. 10. Gonzalez and Funai were among the seven challengers whom Ancajas has disposed of so far.
?Umayaw si Cuadras at ang inaayos ngayon ni Sir Sean ay si (Miguel) Gonzalez,? said Jimenez, referring to MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons who?s burning the lines to firm up Ancajas? next challenger. Gonzalez, 30, totes a 30-2 record, with 7 KOs, and has fought only once outside of Chile, losing on points to Paul Butler in England in 2013. Last March, Gonzalez was stopped by Moloney in a WBA title eliminator but bounced back to halt Hector Gusman in the fourth round four months later.
Gibbons said the ultimate goal is to arrange a unification showdown between Ancajas and WBC superflyweight beltholder Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico. Estrada, however, isn?t readily available as he?s booked to face 34-year-old Dewayne Beamon of North Carolina in Hermosillo, Mexico, on Aug. 24 then he plans to meet WBA ruler Khalid Yafai late this year. If ever, Ancajas and Estrada could slug it out in the first quarter next year.
Ancajas will receive his pin certifying his new rank from Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad at the donning ceremonies. He was formerly Chief Petty Officer. Jimenez said Empedrad and Ancajas will deliver remarks during the program. Several guests, including Gibbons, are expected to attend.
Photo: IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas (right) and trainer/manager Joven Jimenez in Las Vegas for Sen. Manny Pacquiao's recent fight against Keith Thurman.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Shane Mosley Sr. Blasts Oscar De La Hoya of Blocking Son’s Title Shot, Calls for Trilogy Fight on Drew & Pris Uncensored podcast
Wed, 15 Oct 2025MASOUD vs McGRAIL HEADLINES BLOCKBUSTER MONTE-CARLO SHOWDOWN VI CARD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 – LIVE ON DAZN
Wed, 15 Oct 2025WFM Mendoza seizes lead in 2025 FIDE World Youth Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 15 Oct 2025YOENLI HERNANDEZ KNOCKS OUT RAMON DELACRUZ SENA IN FIRST ROUND OF MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 8
Wed, 15 Oct 2025BEN WHITTAKER TITLE SHOT CONFIRMED WITH PRESS CONFERENCE THIS FRIDAY
Wed, 15 Oct 2025GOLDEN BOY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST AMATEUR TALENT IN CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO
Wed, 15 Oct 2025SHANNON RYAN: I'M READY TO BRING 'KAOS' TO YORK HALL THIS WEEK
Wed, 15 Oct 2025Nikita Tszyu Health Update
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 15 Oct 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 OCTOBER 2025: Ennis Wipes Out Lima; Vianello Defeats Barriere; Makhmudov Outpoits Allen
By Eric Armit, Tue, 14 Oct 2025Omar Juarez Set for Homecoming Clash Against Omar Rosario on October 18 i
Tue, 14 Oct 2025BLAZEN ROCILI, THE 6’3” FILIPINO GIANT, SCORES DOMINANT 2ND-ROUND TKO OVER ORLANDO SALGADO IN AURORA, COLORADO
Tue, 14 Oct 2025YORK HALL FIGHT WEEK SCHEDULE CONFIRMED AS KIERON CONWAY VOWS TO TEACH 'OVER CONFIDENT' RIVAL GEORGE LIDDARD A LESSON
Tue, 14 Oct 2025Pedro Veitia Set to Face Fellow Unbeaten Xavier Ceron on October 18 in Texas, Live on DAZN
Tue, 14 Oct 2025Jesse Espinas Victorious, New IBF Asia Champion
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 13 Oct 2025Naseem Hamed Update
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 13 Oct 2025