Jerwin shrugs off pressure
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 29 Jan 2024
Former IBF superflyweight ruler Jerwin Ancajas realizes there’s a heavy load on his shoulders when he faces WBA bantamweight titlist Takuma Inoue at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on Feb. 24 because no Filipino reigns as world boxing champion today and it could be his last chance to reclaim a crown.
“May pressure pero sanay na kami,” said Ancajas’ trainer/manager Joven Jimenez from the Survival Training Camp in Magallanes, Cavite. “Mahalaga sa amin mauwi ang belt at matagal na naming inaasam-asam na maging world champion ulit si Jerwin.”
Ancajas, 32, held the IBF 115-pound title from 2016 to 2022. He lost it to Argentina’s Fernando Martinez in his 10th defense and failed to regain the throne in a rematch. Ancajas came back to stop Colombia’s Wilner Soto in Minnesota last year and earned a crack at a second world title, this time in the 118-pound division.
The fight against Inoue was initially set in November last year but was postponed after the Japanese fractured a left rib during training. Now, it’s all systems go. “Last fight, 121 pounds si Jerwin subali’t madali lang kunin ang 118,” said Jimenez. “Naka 50 rounds ng sparring na si Jerwin mula bagong taon.” Ancajas has sparred with a battalion of fighters, namely Vincent Astrolabio, Marvin Esquerdo, Daniel Lim, Jesus Magdayo, Miller Alapormina, Alexis Abilar, Alex Santisima and Bryl Bayogos. Ancajas and Jimenez are set to leave for Tokyo on Feb. 17.
Inoue’s older brother Naoya is the undisputed WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO superbantamweight king. Inoue, 28, holds a record of 18-1, with four KOs while Ancajas’ slate is 34-3-2, with 25 KOs. Inoue’s only loss was to Frenchman Nordine Oubaali on points in 2019 and he has since scored five wins in a row.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024KAMBOSOS JR SIGNS CO-PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Sat, 23 Nov 2024INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2025 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
Sat, 23 Nov 2024Ring Master promotes in Calinan on Dec. 21
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024NP Bansalan boxing team in Matalam
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 22 Nov 2024New York, Minnesota Biggest Trade Gainers; Los Angeles Has the Rookie Draft Steal
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 22 Nov 2024