| |
|
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:
"When one goes to war we all go to war!" – Owen Corrigan challenges Mad Dog Micah Rivetti for Light Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54 , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Crocs FC wins 3 titles in Football sa Bayan By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Chess Kings Ready to Battle in Pacquiao 3x3 Chess Team Tournament at Lica Malls 500 Shaw By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manguyab to debut in RFL By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Simsri Crushes Mendoza, Retains IBF 108-lbs Title; Could A Filipino Challenger Fight Simsri Next? (Analysis) By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manny Pacquiao and Jas Mathur via Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announce Nine-Figure Team Boxing League Partnership, Launching Manny Pacquiao’s San Diego TJ’s Franchise , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Pabular loses by a split decision By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026DFBC dominates in Invitational Doubles By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Santisima Faces Undefeated Grigoryan for IBF Asia Title in Russia , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Jenn Perella excited to be fighting in front of family & friends on ‘Rumble at the Rink II’ , Tue, 14 Apr 2026Angel Barrientes Training Camp Notes , Mon, 13 Apr 2026DFBC sweeps Dubai Filipino bowlfest By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Apr 2026Middleweight Contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. Dominates Omar Huerta in Main Event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV , Mon, 13 Apr 2026Sergio Martinez returns with a victory at 51 By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Apr 2026Team USA Secures Three Gold Medals on Final Day of 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament , Mon, 13 Apr 2026Rosales to fight Obedencio in RFL co-main event By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Apr 2026Quiñonero to fight Cadalso in Juego Todo Pro By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Apr 2026Miel Fajardo Unleashes Thrilling Fury: Filipino Slugger Blasts Reyes in IBF Flyweight Eliminator in Argentina By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 12 Apr 2026IBA NOMAD 14 delivers spectacular night of combat sports in Almaty , Sun, 12 Apr 2026Fajardo TKOs Reyes in IBF flyweight eliminator By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Apr 2026P450k in Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Apr 2026Tyson Fury gets a unanimous decision victory after 12 rounds against Arslanbek Makhmudov in England , Sun, 12 Apr 2026'The Take Over' Renden Oppas Scores Win in Australia By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 12 Apr 2026CK Ingles: A Chess Player, Chess Team Manager - CHESS KINGS, Chess Tournament and Event Organizer By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 12 Apr 2026Hebert Conceicao Sousa Wins Perilous Unanimous Decision over Johan Gonzalez in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Prudential Center in Brick City , Sat, 11 Apr 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|