Ancajas can’t wait for next fight
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 01 Oct 2020
IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas left Manila for Los Angeles yesterday morning with manager/trainer Joven Jimenez and assistant trainer Fernando Parcon, ready to stay in the US for the long haul if there are fights on the table. There is nothing definite in Ancajas’ schedule but MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons is arranging to set his ninth title defense against mandatory challenger Jonathan Rodriguez of Mexico before the year ends.
Ancajas said he can’t wait to get back in the ring. He was booked to face Rodriguez in Las Vegas last April but the fight was cancelled because of the pandemic. Ancajas said he hasn’t slacked off from training. “Sobrang excited akong lumaban uli,” he said before boarding the All-Nippon Airways flight to L. A. “Malamang si Rodriguez ang kalaban ko. Kung ready na siya, mas ready ako. Sa haba ng training, gumanda ang aking kondisyon at lumakas ang power ko.”
Jimenez said they’re prepared to spend the holidays in the US away from family. “Kung lumaban si Jerwin sa November, hindi na kami muna babalik sa Pilipinas,” he said. “Mahirap yung biyahe ng biyahe kasi nagiingat din kami sa pandemic. Pagkatapos lumaban si Jerwin, pahinga ng dalawang linggo tapos balik sa training at laban uli after three months.” Ancajas said he’s willing to sacrifice not being with his wife and three kids for an extended period. “Depende na ‘yan kay Sir Sean,” he said. “Kung anong advice niya, susunod kami.”
Ancajas said he now weighs between 132 to 135 pounds and it shouldn’t be difficult to go down to 115 in six weeks of hard training. He said he’s inspired by the recent win of WBO bantamweight champion JohnRiel Casimero. “Magandang pagkapanalo ni Casimero, sana magaya ko pero ‘di ko kaya mag push-up sa ring,” he said. Gibbons will move to Las Vegas with the Ancajas team the day after Mark Magsayo's fight against Mexico's Rigoberto Hermosillo at the Microsoft Theater in L. A. this Saturday. "Jerwin will see Casimero in Vegas," said Gibbons.
Tokyo Olympic qualifier Eumir Marcial was initially booked to leave with Ancajas but delayed his departure to await his travel order from the military. He will train with Roach and strength/conditioning coach Justin Fortune at Wild Card. A plan is for Marcial to make his pro debut in a four-rounder in a Tom Brown promotion in L. A. on Nov. 14. Marcial is ticketed to leave L. A. back to Manila on Nov. 30.
Jerwin Ancajas (second from right) with (from left) Joven Jimenez, airport liaison Richard Policarpio and Fernando Parcon at NAIA 3 yesterday.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
By Eric Armit, Tue, 01 Jul 2025IIEE Titans secured Finals in BPBL, IIEE Chessmasters retain on top level in Bundesliga
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
Tue, 01 Jul 2025CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
Tue, 01 Jul 2025Dumadag holds chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025Manny Pacquiao's Case for the Greatest of All Time
By Ace Freeman, Mon, 30 Jun 2025DavNor Adventure Race 2025 set July 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Gumila rules Antipolo rapid chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
Mon, 30 Jun 2025Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Mon, 30 Jun 2025SBA SEASON 2 DRAFT UNVEILS RISING STARS AND STRATEGIC MOVES AS TEAMS COMPLETE THEIR ROSTERS
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Filipino Elwin Retanal wins Saudi rapid chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Jake Paul Earns Boxing Legitimacy with Dominant Decision Over Julio Cesar Chávez Jr.
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025Zurdo Ramirez Defends Cruiserweight Crowns with Unanimous Decision Over Dorticos
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 29 Jun 2025