Crack sparmates for Jerwin  

MANILA, Philippines — Former IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas is sparring with a high-level team of fighters in preparation for his rematch with Fernando Martinez in Los Angeles on Oct. 8 and he’s leaving no stone unturned in seeking to regain the crown from the Argentinian. His sparmates are two-time world title challenger Jonas Sultan, one-time world title challenger Samuel Salva, Jerald Paclar, John Mark Alimane and Marvin Esquierdo.

Ancajas’ manager/coach Joven Jimenez said it was the fighter himself who insisted on exercising the rematch option. Last February, Martinez wrested the IBF crown on a unanimous 12-round decision in Las Vegas. Ancajas later disclosed he was drained making the 115-pound weight limit because of an ill-advised experiment soaking in a tub with salt and alcohol. Jimenez said he was ready to throw in the towel in the 10th round but Ancajas refused to surrender.

“First time ko naramdaman ang daming suntok,” said Ancajas. “First time ko nag-cramps. Pagkatapos ng laban, nanlamig ako. Namaga tainga ko at pati ulo.” Ancajas was brought to a nearby hospital for a checkup and later cleared. Martinez went to the same hospital and a nurse mentioned he had a broken nose. Ancajas said he’s out for payback.

Ancajas is training at the Naval Special Operations Group headquarters in Sangley Point, Cavite. The timetable is to leave for the US three weeks before the fight. “Mas OK ang sparring sa atin kasi sa Wild Card, depende kung sino available at kung may oras sa schedule,” said Jimenez. “Desidido si Jerwin. Siya mismo humingi ng rematch at babawiin niya ang korona. Ngayon, kondisyon siya at tamang gameplan na jab, counter, galaw gaya ng dati.”

Jimenez said he’s appealing for assistance from GAB or PSC to provide a nutritionist and strength/conditioning coach. “Baka may maitulong sila kay Jerwin,” he said. “Sana may ma-recommend ang PSC. Pagsikapan namin ang training at pagaralan ng husto ang gameplan. Nasaktan naman ni Jerwin si Martinez kaso walang follow-up at mahina ang suntok niya. Parang (Marcos) Maidana ang style ni Martinez, pasok lang ng pasok. Napasuntok siya kasi ‘di na umiwas si Jerwin. Sa tamang kondisyon, talo ni Jerwin si Martinez.”