
Jerwin Ancajas: Moving Up and Eyeing the Win Column
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 22 Jun 2023

Jerwin Ancajas knows what it takes to climb to the top and how to stay there a long time.
The man from Panabo, Davao del Norte was IBF junior-bantamweight champion from 2016 to 2022, and it would not be a stretch if he reclaims old glory at bantamweight.
Known as a boxer-puncher with excellent footwork, Ancajas sets up his left straight with a stinging right jab.
In his 38 fights, he has posted an outstanding record of 34 wins (22 KO’s), 3 losses, 2 draws, and has never been knocked out.
Said veteran manager-trainer Joven Jimenez by email: “It has been a hard journey back into contention. We hope to show a new and well-conditioned ‘Pretty Boy’ as we make the best of what Sir Sean Gibbons has laid out for us. We are grateful for another shot.”
Ancajas seems ready to move on from his successive losses to Fernando “Pumita” Martinez of Argentina; this according to the MP Promotions President who is plotting Team Ancajas’ redemption tour.
Said Sean Gibbons: “Jerwin has outgrown the junior-bantamweight division…Ancajas acquitted himself by giving his all against Fernando Daniel Martinez…Here’s to bigger and better things in one of boxing’s glamor divisions.”
Mr. Gibbons indicated that Saturday’s opponent, Wilner Soto of Colombia is no push-over. He sports a respectable record of 22 wins(12 KO), 12 losses (5 by KO, 0 draw. Soto is aggressive and will be a good barometer for Ancajas’ future success.
“Ancajas has trained hard for 5 months at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood and Knucklehead Gym in Las Vegas. He has kept his weight in check, and sparred the best— Jonas Sultan, Jade Bornea, and Marlon Tapales, to name a few,” Mr. Gibbons stated.
• What: Jerwin Ancajas (Panabo, Davao del Norte, Philippines) versus Wilner Soto (Canalete, Colombia)
• When: Saturday, June 24, 2023
• Where: The Armory (Minneapolis, Minnesota),
• Ticket Box Office:
• 612•315•3965
• 500 South 6th St.Minneapolis, MN 55415
• Box Office hours: Monday -Friday 11am -6pm (CDT)
• info@armorymn.com
• Promoted by Premier Boxing Champions in collaboration with MP Promotions, TGB Promotions, and in association with Viva! Promotions, Joven Sports, SanMan Promotions and Knucklehead Pro Boxing Fraternity
Fun Trivia:
• The Armory building was used by the Minneapolis Lakers as a part-time home between 1947–1959, and as its primary home court for the 1959-1960 NBA season. (source: armorymn.com)
• With its progressive milling capabilities and unbeatable production, Minneapolis became known as the "Flour Milling Capital of the World" and was referred to as "Mill City" for nearly 50 years. (source: www.minneapolis.org)
Come Saturday night, a different kind of milling will be in full display atop the squared circle in The Armory.
Note of acknowledgement and appreciation:
All photos of Jerwin Ancajas are courtesy of MP Promotions, Viva Promotions, and Team Ancajas. Special thanks to Sir Bob Lyons for the another kind ‘assist’.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel Rivera, RRT.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WEIGHTS FROM MANCHESTER: CATTERALL - 146.5 LBS., EUBANK - 146.5 LBS.
Sat, 05 Jul 2025Vincent Astrolabio in LA training alongside Manny Pacquiao
By Ace Freeman, Sat, 05 Jul 2025Jason Sanchez Upsets Previously Undefeated Julian Gonzalez in Philly
Sat, 05 Jul 2025Meatball Launches Boxing Career With Matchroom
Sat, 05 Jul 2025The Queens of Philippine Boxing are Training in Cebu
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Raising the Game: Jean Henri Lhuillier’s Unmatched Impact on Philippine Tennis
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 04 Jul 2025GM Eugene Torre to grace the Asenso Ozamis Open Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 04 Jul 2025The Second Rise of Jesse Espinas
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Boxing Golden Age Comparison - Philippines and Japan
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kittipong, Magdalena, Kim, Kritiphak Claim Wins in Brico Santig's Show in Bangkok
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kremlev, Crawford, Fury Launch IBA's Golden Era of International Boxing
Fri, 04 Jul 2025International Master Angelo Young stays on course for GM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Robby Gonzales and Yoseline Perez Progress to Semifinals at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Fri, 04 Jul 2025Fireworks Ahead: Magsayo vs Mata in Prelims of Pacquiao vs Barrios
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Japan's Boxing Golden Age Remains Limited to the Lower Weights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 03 Jul 2025