Jerwin Ancajas out to fight anybody, even Donnie Nietes

MANILA, Philippines — International Boxing Federation super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas stood out from among the athletes who were feted during the annual Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at the Manila Hotel last Tuesday.

The newest toast of Philippine boxing talked about his readiness to stake his title against fellow Filipino Jonas Sultan of Cebu in another Top Rank card in the US.

He said Pinoy fight fans should get used to seeing Filipino boxers slugging it out for the world title.

Reports that Donnie Nietes, the IBF flyweight champion, is planning to move up to 115 pounds to seek the big fights also brought excitement to Ancajas.

Ancajas and Nietes are the only two remaining Filipino world champions, and the former said he wouldn’t mind being pitted against the pride of ALA Promotions of Cebu.

Nietes is planning to fight former world champion Roman “Chokolatito” Gonzalez, and if he does, then there also lies the possibility of facing Ancajas.

“I’m happy because we can further boost boxing in the Philippines. It’s not like you need to fight a foreign boxer all your life,” said Ancajas.

Facing Sultan in his fifth defense of the world title or the possibility of fighting Nietes down the road is part of boxing.

“I will fight anybody. It’s up to coach (and manager) Joven (Jimenez). There’s nothing we can do if Filipino boxers move up as the number one contender even if a Filipino is the champion,” he said.

“It’s sports. It’s boxing. But it’s for the honor of our country,” he said.

Ancajas, who defended his crown in Texas a few weeks ago, is back in training, doing routine exercises.

“I’m not slowing down. I want to stay in shape so if we get the call to fight in April I can fight in April. Wherever we go, I have my gear at the back of the car. When it’s time to train, I train,” he said.