Jerwin to pour it on
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 24 Feb 2024
Jerwin Ancajas can’t afford to be stingy with his punches and well-known boxing trainer Nonoy Neri’s advice is to let his hands go every single round against WBA bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue in Tokyo tonight.
“Kaya ni Jerwin si Takuma,” said Neri who earned his spurs working with Manny Pacquiao. “Kailangan lang niya maraming suntok. Mahina si Takuma. Huwag mag-stay sa harap ni Takuma at dapat si Jerwin mag-control ng laban. Sa galing, lamang si Jerwin. Knockout ang maganda kasi hometown ni Takuma. Basta damihan lang niya ang suntok.”
Ancajas said he’s not taking any chances although Inoue’s punching power is suspect, considering only four KOs in 18 wins. His plan is to test the waters in the early rounds then adjust to Inoue’s style, whether to initiate engaging or box from a distance. Inoue was floored by Filipino Froilan Saludar but got up to return the favor twice in scoring a unanimous 10-round decision in 2016. The Japanese was decked once more by Frenchman Nordine Oubaali and this time, he lost on points in 2019. Ancajas has never been knocked down and his three losses were by decision.
MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons, who’s in Tokyo to witness the action, said Ancajas is in the right frame of mind and in the best physical condition. “Jerwinner’s in unbelievable spirits,” he said. “There’s no comparison between Takuma and his brother Naoya. Takuma is a complete boxer, moves around and tries to outpoint you while Naoya is an athletic banger. Takuma’s style matches up nicely with Jerwin’s.”
Gibbons said for what Ancajas has gone through, he deserves a break. “Jerwin’s overcome a lot of things like COVID, two postponements of fights against (Kazuto) Ioka in Japan, this fight delayed because of Inoue’s injury in training,” he said. “Jerwin will make his own destiny. He’s got the whole package for this fight.”
Although Ancajas is making his debut as a bantamweight, he’s not worried. After ending his six-year reign as IBF superflyweight champion in 2022, Ancajas moved up to superbantamweight and stopped Wilner Soto last June. Then, he got a call to drop down to bantamweight for the chance to win a second world crown and his moment of truth will come tonight.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
‘I’m ready to make some noise’ Billy Quinncroft returns for Cruiserweight title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Fri, 09 Jan 2026Dableo and Laylo's Team to Compete in Bulacan
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 09 Jan 2026Sanman Boxing present Yeerken vs. Carcedo WBA Asia South Title Clash in General Santos City on Feb 9
Fri, 09 Jan 2026Hardstone adds 2 more title fights on January 26
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 09 Jan 2026Panamerican Boxing Confederation Partners with Xempower for Digital and AI-Driven Transformation
Fri, 09 Jan 2026IGMOB TALENT GROUP Launches www.IGMOBTalent.com to Represent Fighters, Entertainers, and Rising Talent Across Sports & Media
Fri, 09 Jan 2026SEAG Davao-based athletes eye International stints
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 09 Jan 2026Canoy banking on his ring experience against Kuse
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 08 Jan 2026Undefeated Kansas Middleweight Prospect Marco “El Tiburon” Romero finished 2025 with 7th triumphs, all by knockout, & 11-0 record
Thu, 08 Jan 2026Kinetix Sports aims for bigger events in 2026
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 08 Jan 20262026 Santa Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge on January 26
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 08 Jan 2026World Ranked Heavyweight Dainier Pero Headlines on Saturday, January 17th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Wed, 07 Jan 2026Jahyae Brown to Battle Arnold Gonzalez in Exciting Co-Feature on Thursday, January 15th at The War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey
Wed, 07 Jan 2026Hendri Cedeno Seeks Monumental Victory Against Alfredo Santiago for NABO Title January 10 at Barclays Center
Tue, 06 Jan 2026Kingsley Ibeh learned from his Loss 5 years ago to Jared Anderson
Tue, 06 Jan 2026