Jerwin Ancajas, whose six-year reign as IBF super-flyweight champion ended with back-to-back losses to Fernando Martinez of Argentina this year, will launch his redemption tour at bantamweight in February.
The 30-year-old Ancajas is determined to move forward after losing the crown to Martinez last February then in a rematch last October and aired his confidence of becoming world champion once more.
“Marunong naman ako tumanggap ng pagkatalo. Ganyan ang sports. Kaya mangangarap ka na naman na maging champion” said Ancajas in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“Pagsisikapan ko ulit. Sa 118 maraming magandang laban,” added Ancajas (33-3-2 with 22 knockouts), who was joined at the forum by his longtime trainer and life coach Joven Jimenez.
The pride of Panabo in Davao del Norte is looking at February as the beginning of his campaign in the 118-pound division. The fight will be staged in the Philippines.
“Isa yan sa nagpapa-excite sa akin,” added Ancajas, who last fought on local soil in 2016 when he snatched the IBF 115-pound title from McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico in Taguig City.
Nine successful title defenses followed before Ancajas bowed to Martinez, and felt it was time to move up in weight.
Jimenez said they’re waiting for word from MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons regarding Ancajas’ next fight.
“‘Yung 118 (pounds) ang napili namin kasi mas maraming opportunities. And baka one or two fights lang title fight na. ‘Yan ang pangako ni sir Sean,” said Jimenez.
“Wala pang kalaban pero first week of February. MP Promotions pa rin. Siguro Mexicano and dito sa Pilipinas ang laban,” added Jimenez during the face-to-face forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Amelie Hotel Manila, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
“Iba rin pag dito. Iba venue at iba atmosphere at malapit kami sa pamilya namin,” added Jimenez, who is also counting on the support of Philippine Sports Commission chairman Noli Eala for Ancajas’ use of the PSC Medical and Scientific Athlete Services (MSAS).
If he could have his way, Ancajas is also looking to train at the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines gym at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“Sana po mapagbigyan tayo. Malaking tulong po ito,” said Ancajas.