By Nick Giongco
Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is rolling the red carpet for Jerwin Ancajas, the fast-rising Filipino star who makes his US debut on Feb. 3 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Arum, whose Top Rank Inc. is staging Ancajas’ fourth defense of the International Boxing Federation super-flyweight crown, already has a blueprint for Ancajas in 2018.
“He will no longer be looking around for fights because we will give him fights this year,” said the 86-year-old Arum from his Las Vegas home.
Ancajas was signed to a lucrative three-fight deal for 2018 and assuming he disposes of Israel Gonzalez of Mexico with ease next month, the 26-year-old IBF 115-lb king will find himself back in the gym in no time.
“If he does well, we could get him back in the ring in late-April or May,” added Arum.
Joven Jimenez, manager and trainer of Ancajas, is thrilled over the prospects of fighting under the Top Rank banner.
“We are hoping that Jerwin puts on a huge performance,” said Jimenez from their training camp in Magallanes, Cavite.
Ancajas has started tapering off in preparation for his their departure for the US this Thursday.
Apart from Ancajas and Jimenez, also joining the trip are Virgil Jimenez (assistant trainer), Mark Anthony Barriga (sparring partner), Todd Makelim (cutman) and Epi Almeda (interpreter).
Top Rank publicist Lee Samuels said an open media workout is being arranged for Ancajas during his brief stay in Los Angeles.
Team Ancajas departs for Corpus Christi on Jan. 28.
Arum, whose Top Rank Inc. is staging Ancajas’ fourth defense of the International Boxing Federation super-flyweight crown, already has a blueprint for Ancajas in 2018.
“He will no longer be looking around for fights because we will give him fights this year,” said the 86-year-old Arum from his Las Vegas home.
Ancajas was signed to a lucrative three-fight deal for 2018 and assuming he disposes of Israel Gonzalez of Mexico with ease next month, the 26-year-old IBF 115-lb king will find himself back in the gym in no time.
“If he does well, we could get him back in the ring in late-April or May,” added Arum.
Joven Jimenez, manager and trainer of Ancajas, is thrilled over the prospects of fighting under the Top Rank banner.
“We are hoping that Jerwin puts on a huge performance,” said Jimenez from their training camp in Magallanes, Cavite.
Ancajas has started tapering off in preparation for his their departure for the US this Thursday.
Apart from Ancajas and Jimenez, also joining the trip are Virgil Jimenez (assistant trainer), Mark Anthony Barriga (sparring partner), Todd Makelim (cutman) and Epi Almeda (interpreter).
Top Rank publicist Lee Samuels said an open media workout is being arranged for Ancajas during his brief stay in Los Angeles.
Team Ancajas departs for Corpus Christi on Jan. 28.