Newly-crowned RP super-featherweight champion Jimrex Jaca is slated to fight in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales rematch on Jan. 21 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jaca, who snatched his third national boxing title last Nov. 27 over veteran Samuel Duran in Maasin City, is set to make his US debut in the most anticipated rematch of the year.
“It’s been confirmed that Jaca will fight in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Morales rematch,” said Jaca’s manager, Rex “Wakee” Salud.
The 23-year-old native of Amlan, Negros Oriental will carry with him a 24-1 win-loss record when he faces a yet to be named Mexican opponent for an eight-round duel.
Manny’s help
“It’s going to be a milestone for Jimrex. Ever since he started his professional career, he has been longing for this opportunity to come and here it is,” said Salud.
“With the help of Manny Pacquiao, we were able to get a chance to fight in the US.”
Pacquiao’s manager, Shelly Fenkel, helped Salud get a deal with Bob Arum, the main promoter of the card, which will earn Pacquaio and Morales $2.5 million each plus a share of the pay-per-view proceeds.
Jaca, a former OPBF super-bantamweight champion, is just as ecstatic as his manager.
“I’m very glad about this development,” said Jaca. “The Filipinos are making good in the US and I would not waste my chances to join the Filipino boxers who have earned respect in the US boxing circuit.”
