AFTER a long hiatus from boxing, Jimrex Jaca is itching to test his mettle in the ring once again as he takes on hard-hitting Indonesian Ramadhan Weriu in the undercard of “Boxing at the Bay: Collision Course” tomorrow at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Jaca stopped fighting for over a year after suffering three consecutive defeats.
However, his spirits are high for his ring return.
“He’s very excited about his comeback fight,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer, who is helping Jaca revive his once prolific boxing career.
Jaca, who had a memorable fight with Mexican superstar Juan Manuel Marquez, lost all his fights in 2008: a unanimous decision to former world title challenger Kengo Nagashima in Japan in March; a sixth-round stoppage to former world champion Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai June; and a second-round KO to undefeated Thai Saddam Kietyongyuth in October.
“It’s very difficult when you have a long layoff. Even if he trained hard, it’s a different story when you are already in an actual fight,” said Aldeguer.
Aldeguer pointed out former world title contender Eriberto Gejon, who was a shell of his former self in his comeback.
“Hopefully he’ll have a good performance,” he said.
Despite his reservations, Aldeguer believes that it’s not yet too late for Jaca to stage a comeback in boxing because he is still 26 years old.
“He has so much determination. I think with his talent and determination he can go a long way,” said Aldeguer.
Headlining the event is International Boxing Federation light flyweight champion Brian Viloria, who will be having his second world title defense against former world title contender Carlos Tamara.