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:
Chris Eubank Jr. vs Conor Benn 2: Will Eubank Step on the Gas Pedal Earlier?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 15 Nov 2025Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Highland Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 15 Nov 2025Tickets ON SALE NOW for Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan
Sat, 15 Nov 2025Russ Westbrook set record setting 10,000 assists
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 15 Nov 2025GM Joey Antonio draws Becker to maintain second place in Spain chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 15 Nov 20254th Gov. Ruel Pacquiao Motocross Competition
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 15 Nov 2025Weigh-In Results: Rafael Espinoza vs. Arnold Khegai
Sat, 15 Nov 2025Soledad fights Thai for WBC Asia Continental Welter title on Nov. 29
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 15 Nov 2025Former Champ Joseph Parker fails drug test on WBO championship fight
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 15 Nov 2025R&B PROMOTIONS RETURNS TO HARD ROCK LIVE AT ETESS ARENA FOR FIGHT NIGHT 4 ON NOVEMBER 22, 2025
Sat, 15 Nov 2025WEIGHIN RESULTS FROM ALL STAR BOXING SHOW IN MANAGUA
Sat, 15 Nov 2025Tapales wins by a unanimous decision
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 14 Nov 2025Porres III to fight Narukami for vacant IBF Youth flyweight title tomorrow
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 14 Nov 2025Press Conference Notes: Featherweight King Rafael Espinoza Readies for Mexican Homecoming
Fri, 14 Nov 2025MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS HOSTS “BABY SHOWER” TO BENEFIT MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS IN HONOR OF PAPA-TO-BE JIMUEL PACQUIAO’S PRO DEBUT
Fri, 14 Nov 2025