The Philippine Navy Wednesday handed world boxing champion Jerwin Ancajas the Certificate of Acceptance as honorary member of the Special Operations Group after passing a stern test recently.
A reservist, Ancajas received the coveted certificate at Sangley Point in Cavite City with the reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-flyweight champion sporting the traditional military haircut.
Joining him during the simple rites was his long time manager and trainer Joven Jimenez, who also fought under the Navy banner during his heyday.
Ancajas is keenly awaiting word about his scheduled defense of the IBF 115-lb crown—the ninth—on US soil this September or October.
Last time he defended the title, Ancajas stopped Chilean Miguel Gonzalez in Puebla, Mexico, late last year.
The Navy boasts of a storied history in boxing. Olympian brothers Roel and Onyok Velasco also represented the Navy, winning bronze and silver, respectively, in 1992 (Barcelona) and 1996 (Atlanta).