Ancajas aims to boost IBF ranking against Mepranum

MANILA, Philippines – Whether Jerwin Ancajas’ temporary break with trainer Joven Jimenez works wonders will be known when the former world champion tangles with veteran Richie Mepranum on January 25 for the vacant Philippine super bantamweight crown at the Iligan City Public Plaza.

Although the former world champion succeeded in his comeback fight against Thai Sukpasried Ponphitak in September, the longtime partners were forced to part ways as Jimenez was tasked to help in the training of United States-based boxers belonging to MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions headed by Sean Gibbons.

Ancajas, the International Boxing Federation super flyweight king from 2016 to 2022, trained in Iligan for the 12-rounder against Mepranum, which could determine his capability to become a world-beater again.

Taking a foray in the featherweight division after getting knocked out for the first time by Takuma Inoue in their World Boxing Association bantamweight title clash in Tokyo in February 2023, Ancajas won by disqualification over Ponphitak in Pacquiao’s Blow By Blow at the Mandaluyong City Coliseum.

Determined to top that performance and raise his No. 10 ranking in the 122-pound division, Ancajas went to Iligan late in November to continue his preparations for Mepranum, following a regimen charted by Jimenez, who returned to Manila from Las Vegas early Wednesday, January 8.

Ancajas, who turned 33 on January 1, told Rappler on Thursday, January 9, that he’s focused on Mepranum and is working out hard and sparring with younger fighters of RCJ Promotions.

“I want to show them that success doesn’t come easy in boxing,” said Ancajas. “I’ve seen and known Mepranum since my amateur days and I’m aware of his capabilities.”

Based on the video clips he watched, Jimenez said Ancajas is in fine shape for the fight against Mepranum, a 37-year-old three-time world title challenger.

Jimenez said he will fly to Iligan next week for Ancajas’ final push for the 12-rounder that could propel him back to world title contention.

If Ancajas (35-4-2, 23 knockouts) beats Mepranum (38-9-1, 12 knockouts) convincingly, Gibbons intends to bring him back to Las Vegas for a possible world title eliminator.

Another failure could end his notable 15-year ring career. – Rappler.com