International Boxing Federation super flyweight champion Jerwin “The Pretty Boy” Ancajas expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Philippine Navy for awarding him the prestigious “Gawad sa Kaunlaran Award” recently at its naval main headquarters, along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.
Ancajas was given the recognition for his impressive unanimous decision win over mandatory challenger Jonathan Javier Rodriguez of Mexico last April 10 in Connecticut.
That was his ninth successful title defense.
“I am thankful to the Philippine Navy and the Marines for helping me in my training. I am very proud to bring glory and honor to our country as I carry the name of the Philippine Navy and the Marines all over the world,” Ancajas said in his speech.
He thanked Navy Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlos Bacordo, Flag Secretary Captain Oliver Reforba, NAVSOCOM Commander Capt. Dwight Steven Dulnoan, Marine Commandant Philippine Marine Corp Major General Ariel Caculitan and Naval Reserve Command’s Rear Admiral Dorvin Legaspi, Rear Admiral AFP Vice Comamnder Adeluis Bordado, Rear Admiral Chief of Staff Nichols Driz, Brigadier General Jose Johnriel Cenabre and retired Fernando Parcon for supporting him in his training for the past years.
The reservist with a rank of senior chief petty officer is set to fly to Zamboanga City via Philippine Airlines Monday night to join the training camp of Olympic-bound Eumir Felix Marcial at the Zamboanga MLV Valientes’ boxing gym.
They will also visit Big Boss Cement owner Gilbert Cruz in Dipolog City once Ancajas touches down in Zamboanga City.
“We would like to thank him (Cruz) personally for his generosity and all-out support,” he said