Jerwin, Eumir to headline big card
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 01 Oct 2024
Plans are underway to stage a blockbuster boxing card featuring Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial in the main event and former IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas in the chief aperitif sometime in December. Organizers are mulling a Dec. 14 show but a possibility is to hold it on Dec. 17, ring icon Manny Pacquiao’s birthday.
Since returning from the Paris Games, Marcial has not left Manila and is ready to resume his pro career. His record is 5-0 with three KOs and his most recent pro outing was a fourth round disposal of Thailand’s Thoedsak Sinam at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last March.
Ancajas recently defeated Thailand roughhouser Sukpraserd Ponpitak by a fifth round disqualification on “Blow By Blow” at the Mandaluyong City College gym. It was his first bout since a failed attempt to wrest the WBA bantamweight crown from Takuma Inoue last February. It was also Ancajas’ debut as a featherweight after dominating the 115-pound division for six years. Ancajas scaled 125 1/4 pounds, the heaviest in his career, and while he appeared a bit slow, his power was impressive.
“Dala ni Jerwin ang lakas niya sa 126,” said his long-time coach Joven Jimenez. “Bagsak si Ponpitak sa first round at ilang beses siya na-groggy kaya wrestling na lang ang ginawa.” Ponpitak was warned repeatedly by referee Alfie Jocosol for throwing down Ancajas and at 2:34 of the fifth, the fight was called off. Jocosol’s patience had run out and Ponpitak was disqualified.
“Noong bumagsak siya sa first round, ‘di ‘ko minadaling tapusin,” said Ancajas. “Magulang siya. Sadya niyang nilabas ang paa para madapa ako.” Ancajas was reluctant to engage closely because of Ponpitak’s tactics. The workout was something he wanted and an early knockout wouldn’t have helped.
Ponpitak, 36, was a lot more experienced than Ancajas and used his guile to try unnerving the comebacking Filipino. The Thai has fought in Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Korea, China, Russia, Australia and Tanzania so he’s no stranger to fighting on foreign soil. His victims include eight Filipinos. Ancajas was the fourth Filipino to beat Ponpitak after Larry Canillas, Mark Magsayo and Herlan Gomez.
MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said Ancajas has a lot more to prove before making a move to win another world title. “Jerwinner was pudgy (against Ponpitak) and needs to take his career more seriously,” said Gibbons who watched the fight on TV beside Pacquiao in a London hotel room. “This was something he needed to do, to get back on track. In December, he’d better be in 100 percent shape, he’d better come in at 122, go for a minor belt and show what he still has left. He needs to put on a solid showing. I see Jerwin working to be back in real shape and if we need to fly him to the US to get ready, that’s what we’ll do.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
5 Pinoy boxers to fight in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 03 Apr 2025Transatlantic Clash II - "Battle at the Bridge"
Thu, 03 Apr 2025Marco “El Tiburón” Romero moving up to scheduled 6-round bout next
Thu, 03 Apr 2025Filipino chess phenom wins at Spring Blitz Chess Championship in Dubai
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 03 Apr 2025Team USA Advances Two More Boxers to Medal Rounds at World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025
Thu, 03 Apr 2025IM Bagamasbad eyes GM title in Australian Chess Circuit
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 03 Apr 2025SAMPSON BOXING SIGNS TOP UNDEFEATED LIGHT FLYWEIGHT CONTENDER ERICK BADILLO TO CO-PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT
Thu, 03 Apr 2025TURKISH KNOCKOUT ARTIST ELIF NUR TURHAN PENS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Thu, 03 Apr 2025The Past Week in Action 31 March 2025: Norman Stops Cuevas in 3; Mayer Outpoints Ryan; Zepeda Edges Farmer; Collazo Stops Cano; Yabuki KOs Ayala
By Eric Armit, Wed, 02 Apr 2025Wild and Wooly Wind-up Seen in West Top 3-6
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 02 Apr 2025Rise of the Samurai: Inoue vs Nakatani in 2026
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 02 Apr 2025Undefeated super middleweight prospect Tommy Hyde a true Irish Road Warrior In Australia for April 11th fight
Wed, 02 Apr 2025Melvin the Avenger
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 02 Apr 2025WORLD-RANKED LIGHTWEIGHT ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI TO FACE ALBERTO GUEVARA IN MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 6
Wed, 02 Apr 2025Carlos Flowers Shines on Day One for Team USA in World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025
Wed, 02 Apr 2025