| |
|
Jerwin shrugs off pressure
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 29 Jan 2024
Former IBF superflyweight ruler Jerwin Ancajas realizes there’s a heavy load on his shoulders when he faces WBA bantamweight titlist Takuma Inoue at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on Feb. 24 because no Filipino reigns as world boxing champion today and it could be his last chance to reclaim a crown.
“May pressure pero sanay na kami,” said Ancajas’ trainer/manager Joven Jimenez from the Survival Training Camp in Magallanes, Cavite. “Mahalaga sa amin mauwi ang belt at matagal na naming inaasam-asam na maging world champion ulit si Jerwin.”
Ancajas, 32, held the IBF 115-pound title from 2016 to 2022. He lost it to Argentina’s Fernando Martinez in his 10th defense and failed to regain the throne in a rematch. Ancajas came back to stop Colombia’s Wilner Soto in Minnesota last year and earned a crack at a second world title, this time in the 118-pound division.
The fight against Inoue was initially set in November last year but was postponed after the Japanese fractured a left rib during training. Now, it’s all systems go. “Last fight, 121 pounds si Jerwin subali’t madali lang kunin ang 118,” said Jimenez. “Naka 50 rounds ng sparring na si Jerwin mula bagong taon.” Ancajas has sparred with a battalion of fighters, namely Vincent Astrolabio, Marvin Esquerdo, Daniel Lim, Jesus Magdayo, Miller Alapormina, Alexis Abilar, Alex Santisima and Bryl Bayogos. Ancajas and Jimenez are set to leave for Tokyo on Feb. 17.
Inoue’s older brother Naoya is the undisputed WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO superbantamweight king. Inoue, 28, holds a record of 18-1, with four KOs while Ancajas’ slate is 34-3-2, with 25 KOs. Inoue’s only loss was to Frenchman Nordine Oubaali on points in 2019 and he has since scored five wins in a row.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Oleksandr Usyk Returns Against Unknown Boxer on RING/DAZN PPV
By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 23 May 2026Ayala Lardizabal stops Mama as IBA PRO 18 delivers dramatic night in Mexico City
, Sat, 23 May 2026MF PRO Launches U.S. Boxing Debut with “Pugilist Revolution” Featuring "H2O" Sylve vs. Joseph “JoJo” Diaz in Southern California Showdown
, Sat, 23 May 2026Dela Cerna fights Lastimosa on June 21 in Muntilupa
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 23 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Posts Another Seven-Win Day in Colombia
, Sat, 23 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Knicks Beat Cavaliers 109-93 Behind Hart’s Postseason Career-High 26 in East Finals
By Reylan Loberternos, , Fri, 22 May 2026Rep. Barzaga invited in Bakbakan sa Putatan
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 22 May 2026Weights Set from San Jose: Amari Jones and Vincenzo Gualtieri Cleared for IBF Middleweight Eliminator
, Fri, 22 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Gilgeous-Alexander Back to MVP Form as Thunder Top Spurs 122-113 in West Game 2
By Reylan Loberternos, , Fri, 22 May 2026IBA flag raised at the peak of Mount Everest following historic ascent
, Fri, 22 May 2026Jacamos fights for vacant WBC Youth World junior fly in South Africa on May 23
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 22 May 2026Lastimosa to fight for vacant PBF Youth light fly crown
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 22 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Adds Seven Wins on Day Four at 2026 Copa America
, Fri, 22 May 2026Bohat fights for PBF Silver bantamweight crown
By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 21 May 2026AGM Bernardino to hold chess simul in San Manuel, Tarlac
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 21 May 2026JONES VS. GUALTIERI FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
, Thu, 21 May 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: From Madrid to Johannesburg – The Legacy of the WBC in South Africa
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Thu, 21 May 2026TYSON VS. MAYWEATHER EXHIBITION IS ON— TYSON BROKEN HAND PUSHES EVENT FROM SPRING TO FALL OF 2026
, Thu, 21 May 2026Three Lions Promotions Building pro boxing back to Glory days in Metro Vancouver
, Thu, 21 May 2026Jenn Perella shines, Bobby Laing stops Russ Kimber in 1st round
, Thu, 21 May 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Gustavo Trujillo Looks to Continue his Rise in the Heavyweight Division
, Thu, 21 May 2026Filipino Francisco "Django" Bustamante rules 2026 Buffalo’s Pro Classic 1 Ball One Pocket Division
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 21 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Secures Eight More Victories on Day Three of 2026 Copa America
, Thu, 21 May 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 19 MAY 2026: Davis Outpoints Albright; Kuse Dethrones Jerusalem; Donovan Defeats Chukhadzhian; Hrgovic Stops Allen
By Eric Armit, , Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Knicks Rally from 22 Points Down to Beat Cavs 115-104 in OT
By Reylan Loberternos, , Wed, 20 May 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
