JERWIN ANCAJAS—who yielded his International Boxing Federation (ibf) super flyweight title to Argentina’s Fernando Martinez and again lost in their title rematch both this year—will launch a redemption tour as a 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 as he aired confidence of becoming world champion once more.
“I know how to accept defeat, that’s sports,” Ancajas told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. “But I will move forward to get myself a title again.”
But he won’t be fighting as a super flyweight (118 lbs) anymore. He and his long-time trainer Joven Jimenez decided they’ll be campaigning at the 118-lb bantamweight division.
The pride of Panabo City in Davao del Norte is looking at a fight in February on Philippine soil.
“That excites me,” said Ancajas, referring to fighting before Filipinos the way he did in 2016 when he snatched the IBF 115-pound title from McJoe Arroyo of Puerto Rico in Taguig City.
Nine successful title defenses followed after that until 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 on Ancajas’ next fight.
“There are more opportunities at 118 lbs,” said Jimenez in the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Milo, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Olympic Committee, Amelie Hotel Manila and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. “Maybe one or two fights, he’ll be champion again.”
Jimenez said he also sought PSC chairman Noli Eala for Ancajas’s use of the PSC Medical and Scientific Athlete Services facilities.
“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,” Jimenez said.