JIMREX RELOADED
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 06 Aug 2010
Jimrex Jaca is riding the wave of what could possibly be the best local comeback story in years. Jaca was on a three fight losing streak in 2008. He waited for his contract with his previous management to expire as he prepared his ring return in 2010. Jaca kept himself in shape by jogging and light training.
Did he think about retiring in 2009?
?No. I still wanted to fight.? He said, ?I was not discouraged. I know I can still be a better boxer.?
Jaca knows what it is like to fight at the highest level. Four years ago, he gave a valiant effort before losing by KO in the 9th round to Juan Manuel Marquez.
?His counterpunching was really accurate.? He said. ?I couldn?t avoid getting hit.?
Being one of the only two Filipinos to face Marquez when ?Dinamita? was already a top pound for pound boxer, does Jaca feel that he can reach that elite level?
?Yes. I am more motivated during training. I am learning new things. My present training regimen is harder. I feel I have improved a lot. I know I can reach the level of a championship calibre fighter.? He answered.
The 27 year old Jaca (30W-6L-3D, 15 KO's) has knocked out his last two opponents ? Ramadhan Weriu of Indonesia and James Kimori of Kenya ? since he started fighting under ALA Promotions this year. The win against Weriu was Jaca?s first since the 7th round KO of Simson Butar-butar of Indonesia at the Cebu Coliseum in 2007.
In both of those wins, Jaca?s experience and coolness under fire was very much evident. Being a southpaw with a powerful left straight also helped.
With two nationally televised wins under his belt, Jaca will fight Pipino Cuevas Jr. (14W-5L, 12 KO's) of Mexico this August 28 in the undercard of the highly anticipated fight card billed as Philippines vs the World. Cuevas is a former WBC Latino super featherweight titlist. He is the son of the legendary WBA welterweight champion Pipino Cuevas, who reigned from 1976-1980.
Jaca has been fighting at the 135-140 lb. weight range. If he stays as a lightweight and continues to win, he will wind up facing the likes of Humberto Soto, Michael Katsidis and maybe Marquez again. Jaca does have a preference for brawlers.
When asked about his opinion regarding the statement of Rey Bautista?s opponent, Alejandro Barrera that ?Filipinos are good but Mexicans are better?, Jimrex had this to say: ?Filipinos are better. They haven?t beaten Pacquiao yet. Filipinos just need to work harder.?
(Photo below ? Jaca (left) with the author)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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