Arum calls Ancajas a fan favorite

CORPUS CHRISTI – Top Rank CEO Bob Arum had glowing remarks for IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas in the wake of the Filipino southpaw’s 10th round disposal of Mexico’s Israel Gonzalez at the American Bank Center here Saturday night (yesterday morning, Manila).

“I’m impressed and I foresee Jerwin becoming a fan favorite not only in the US but all over the world,” said Arum. “Jerwin will make a name for himself in boxing not as the next Manny Pacquiao because there will never be another Manny Pacquiao but as Jerwin Ancajas.”


It was Ancajas’ US debut and his first fight in a two-year deal with Top Rank. Arum welcomed Ancajas as a rising star in his stable. Ancajas didn’t disappoint as he floored Gonzalez thrice in a one-sided affair.

But Ancajas’ discriminating manager and trainer Joven Jimenez said he could’ve been sharper. Jimenez said Ancajas was slower than usual in his delivery and rated the performance a 7 in a scale of 1 to 10. That’s not a passing mark in the classroom.

“Gonzalez was bigger so Jerwin didn’t want to take chances,” said Jimenez. “Gonzalez was out to counterpunch and bait Jerwin to come inside. I felt Jerwin could’ve shown better handspeed. Maybe, it’s because his previous fight was only in November. I think in fights at this high level, you’ll need to rest about five months. It’s not that Jerwin was burned out. It’s probably because the fights were too close to each other.”

Author: Joaquin Henson, Philippine Star
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