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:
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