Jerwin reveals weigh-in ordeal
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 27 Feb 2024
Jerwin Ancajas, who was knocked out by WBA bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue in Tokyo last Saturday, revealed yesterday he was over the 118-pound limit the morning of the weigh-in the day before the fight.
Ancajas’ manager/trainer Joven Jimenez confirmed it. “Natakot kami noong umaga kasi five pounds (overweight),” he said. “Halos hindi namin nakuha ang timbang. Maaga kami nagpapawis, mitts at takbo.”
When Ancajas stepped on the scales, he tipped in at 117 3/4, the same as Inoue. But Ancajas shed off all his clothes to make it as in a test-run, he was 0.7 of a gram over. “First time na experience ko naghubad sa weigh-in at twalya ang ginamit pangtakip,” said Ancajas. “Hirap ako sa timbang. Bago mag-training, umabot ako ng 150. Kaya sa susunod na laban, kakausapin ko si (MP Promotions head) Sir Sean (Gibbons) baka umakyat ako sa 122 o 126. Lumaki na ako at bumigat. Kailangan na mag-move up.”
In Ancajas’ previous fight, he weighed 121 3/4. For Inoue, he went down to bantamweight for the chance to bag a second world title. Ancajas appeared a step slow because of the loss in weight and couldn’t keep pace with the fast-moving Inoue. He was often beaten to the punch in close quarters and failed to consistently cut the ring off on Inoue.
Ancajas said the two blows he took in the pit of his stomach left him out of breath. “Di ako makahinga,” he said. “Babangon sana ako pero ‘di ko kaya. Parang nag shut-down ang katawan ko.” The shots immobilized Ancajas as the solar plexus nervous system involves the abdominal organs, including the esophagus. A punch to the solar plexus will take the air out of anyone if it lands at the point of inhaling. “Timing talaga,” said Jimenez. “Hindi na makatayo si Jerwin.”
Gibbons said Ancajas’ punches had more snap in the early going. Entering the ninth round where Inoue scored the knockout, Gibbons scored it dead even. “Back to the drawing boards but not square one,” he said, referring to Ancajas’ experience as a boost to a comeback. Ancajas, 32, will study what division to fight in next. Inoue’s brother Naoya rules the 122-pound superbantamweight class but Gibbons said by the time Ancajas is ready to fight for the throne, the Japanese “Monster” will have likely moved up in weight.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Mindoro beats Mexican, stays undefeated
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 07 Jun 2026Panamanian Government, Roberto "Hands of Stone" Durán, and the Mexican Márquez Brothers Join Forces for Amateur Boxing Megaproject
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 07 Jun 2026Alex Eala advances to Birmingham Open finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 07 Jun 2026Santé Barley Trilogy Run Asia 2026 Davao Leg 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 07 Jun 2026Casimero stops Nery in 4th round
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 06 Jun 2026Edward Vazquez keeps title hopes alive by winning razor-thin unanimous decision over Daniel Lugo in Main Event of ProBoxTV
Sat, 06 Jun 2026LABAN PILIPINAS! Kenneth Llover Ready to KO His Way to a World Title Shot
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 06 Jun 2026Nery Does It Again: Overweight, But Casimero Says Let’s Fight!
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 06 Jun 2026Undefeated Gabriela Tellez to Challenge Elif Nur Turhan for IBF Lightweight World Title June 13 in Glendale, AZ
Sat, 06 Jun 2026SHEFFIELD FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS, FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER FOR PADLEY VS FIAZ – LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 06 Jun 2026Bruce “2.0” Seldon Jr.: From a Champion’s Son to Heavyweight Headliner
Sat, 06 Jun 2026Mexican fighter ¨Artillero¨Rodriguez passes away after suffering brain injury on weekend fight
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 06 Jun 2026NEGROS OCCIDENTAL PILLARS CROWNED SBA SEASON 2 CHAMPIONS
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 06 Jun 2026Weights from Japan: Llover - 117.7 lbs., Angeletti - 117.5 lbs.
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 05 Jun 2026Antonio Vargas Locked in for Career-Defining Title Defense Against Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez as Training Camp Winds Down
Fri, 05 Jun 2026