RISING to the 118-pound or bantamweight division, former super flyweight world champ Jerwin Ancajas is being lined up for one or two tune-up fights in the new weight class before taking a crack at another world title, according to manager-trainer Joven Jimenez.
“This is what MP promotions chief Sean Gibbons promised us and it will be in the country, possibly against a Mexican,” Jimenez said yesterday during the Philippine Sports Association forum at the Philippine Sports Commission audio-visual room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
Joining Jimenez in the session supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Milo, San Miguel Corp. and Amelie Hotel was Ancajas, who said he felt more comfortable in the higher weight class.
“Medyo nahihirapan na talaga si Jerwin sa dating timbang at humihina na kaya mabuti siya na tumaas ng weight,” Jimenez said.
Ancajas had struggled not only to maintain his weight at 115 pounds but also lost some of the sting in his punches, particularly against reigning International Boxing Federation super flyweight king Fernando Daniel Martinez of Mexico.
Martinez wrested the IBF super flyweight belt from Ancajas with a unanimous decision victory in their initial encounter last Feb. 22 at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.
When they met in a rematch, the Mexican retained the crown also by unanimous decision last month at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson City, California.
“Naghanda naman ako ng mabuti du’n sa pangalawang laban sa Mexicano pero nahirapan pa rin sa timbang,” Ancajas, a native of Panabo, Davao del Norte, said.
Jimenez expressed confidence his ward would regain his punching power in the higher weight class, noting Ancajas went toe-to-toe with compatriot and former World Boxing Council featherweight titlist Mark Magsayo in sparring in the US.
Jimenez also said he hoped to continue the services of nutritionist Bianca Estrella of the Philippine Sports Commission medical unit so Ancajas would be able to transition properly to the higher weight class.
Ancajas said he is excited and motivated to fight locally for the first time in six years since winning the vacant IBF super flyweight championship by unanimous decision over Puerto Rican McJoe Arroyo on Sept. 9, 2016 at the Philippine Marine Corps Jurado Hall in Taguig City.
“Gustong-gusto ko pong lumaban muli dito sa harap ng ating kababayan,” said the Pinoy southpaw, who boasts a record of 33 wins, 22 by knockout, three losses and two draws.
His redemption fight is set in February next year.
