INTERNATIONAL Boxing Federation (IBF) World superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas will defend his title in the United States of America (USA) this year following a successful defense against Japanese Teiru Kinoshita via seventh round TKO in the undercard of "Battle of Brisbane" last July 2.
This was bared by Ancajas' manager Joven Jimenez during a press conference held at Davao City Council's lounge, arranged by the Games and Amusement Board (Gab) after gracing the hero's welcome spearheaded by City Mayors Office (CMO).
Jimenez said Ancajas’ next “choice title-defense” will depend on the decision of their "boss" senator Manny Pacquiao whose promoter Bob Arum is currently meeting with the match-makers.
“Ang initial venue sa next title-defense namo kay sa US kay nakita man mi sa ESPN (The US will be our initial venue since Ancajas was seen last time via ESPN),” said Jimenez who sees potential challengers in Ancajas’ weight division including the number one pound-for-pound king Roman Gonzalez.
However, if Ancajas won't be able to fight this year, he can still defend his belt after nine months or in April 2018.
Ancajas considers Davao City memorable since this is where he first touched boxing gloves at the Almendras Gym at the age of nine.
"Gidala ko sa akoang igsoon kay namasin mi mag boxing. Pobre man kaayo mi sauna, wala mi sariling gym didto sa Tagpore, Panabo City (My brother brought me here then. We were so poor and there was no boxing gym in Tagpore, Panabo City where we came from)," the 25-year-old Panabo native reminisced.
He stayed here for three years to train with the Manny Pacquiao (MP) Promotions under the supervision of Nonoy Neri at Dacoville Subdivision, Toril during his amateur years.
Ancajas turned professional during his sophomore year with the approval of his parents.
He said though that retirement is far from his mind, adding that he will continue boxing until there is a title to defend.
"Hangga't bibigyan pa ng lakas mag-boboxing pa, tuloy pa. Para din ito sa karangalan ng bayan," Ancajas said.
He was set to receive US$60,000 for his recent title defense which he allocated for building his new home.
"Sa ngayon meron pa akong lote. Sa susunod sariling bahay ko na talaga para may makita naman ako balang araw galing sa pag-boboxing ko," he added.