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:
June 6 announcement: Padley-Fiaz to Main Event in Sheffield after Galal Yafai setback
Fri, 15 May 2026Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Ready to Settle Unfinished Business in Saturday’s Hometown Rematch against Nahir Albright LIVE on DAZN
Fri, 15 May 2026Eros Correa vs. Anthony Garnica, Set to Clash for WBC Continental Americas Title.
Fri, 15 May 2026Eman-Perez rematch now title-match
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 15 May 2026Montreal Experience greatly benefited Undefeated Kansas boxing prospect Marco Romero for this Saturday’s fight
Fri, 15 May 2026”MERCILESS” RAY MERCER TO ATTEND 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Fri, 15 May 2026IIEE Metro Central dominates the IIEE National Midyear Convention sportsfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 15 May 2026Ancajas Boxing team to join Koronadal slugfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 15 May 2026Jojo Legaspi eyes four squads in JCI Senate Lipa 3X3 Open Rapid Chess Tournament on June 20
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 15 May 2026Paras ready to face Yokoyama on June 6
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 14 May 2026Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright II Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
Thu, 14 May 2026Champion Outside the Ring: Gustavo Trujillo and Bio Cell Wellness Group Support Children with Autism Through Life-Changing Therapies
Thu, 14 May 2026IBA and WBA successfully deliver first joint professional training course for referees and judges
Wed, 13 May 2026GAB to give managers, matchmakers and trainers 3 years license
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 13 May 2026ROBIN “ROBZ” SAFAR TO FACE ARGENTINA’S HIGHLY RATED YAMIL PERALTA FOR WBC SILVER CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE
Wed, 13 May 2026