MANILA, Philippines – Former IBF super flyweight king Jerwin Ancajas recognizes that he has a burden on his back when he fights WBA bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue on the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo in February. 24. This is because no Filipino holds the title of champion of the world today, and this may be the last opportunity for him to win the title.
“May the pressure be high the kami,” declared Ancajas’ manager/trainer Joven Jimenez of Joven Jimenez from the Survival Training Camp located in Magallanes, Cavite. “Mahalaga sa amin mauwi ang belt at matagal na naming inaasam-asam na maging world champion ulit si Jerwin.”
Ancajas 32, who is a professional wrestler, was the holder of the IBF 115-pound belt from 2016 until 2022. He was defeated by the Argentinean Fernando Martinez in his 10th defense, but failed to regain the title in the fight that was a rematch. Ancajas was back to beat his Colombian opponent Wilner Soto from Minnesota last year, and earned an opportunity to win a second world title and this time, in the weight class of 118 pounds.
Jerwin dropped from 121 pounds down to 118 quickly in their last fight,” reported Jimenez. Ancajas has sparred with several fighters such as Vincent Astrolabio, Marvin Esquerdo Daniel Lim Jesus Magdayo Miller Alapormina Alexis Abilar Alex Santisima and Bryl Bayogos before leaving for Tokyo on Feb 17.
Naoya Inoue holds undisputed WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO super bantamweight supremacy, boasting 18-1 record with four knockouts while Ancajas sports 34-3-2 record including 25 KOs. Inoue’s only loss was to Frenchman Nordine Oubaali on points in 2019; since then he has scored five straight victories.
