Beyond the Game

Ancajas calls for patience, prayers for Inoue

By Brian Yalung

Jerwin Ancajas is hungry to be a boxing champion once more. He was originally set to face reigning champion Takuma Inoue for the WBA bantamweight title this November, however, the tiff had to be rescheduled after the Japanese fighter suffered a rib injury during training.

The younger brother of Naoya Inoue apologized to fans and Ancajas about the postponement due to the untimely injury.

ANCAJAS TO RAMP UP TRAINING

Regardless, the camp of Ancajas is expected to continue training although they will have to make adjustments. However, the coach of “Pretty Boy,” Joven Jimenez says that this is nothing new. He added that they will change the volume of training of Ancajas, especially after being told that the fight will push through in a couple of months.

“Ang sabi sa akin ni sir Sean [Gibbons], within two months daw itutuloy yung laban. Hindi naman pwedeng i-cancel ang laban kasi nabili na halos lahat ng ticket sa laban. Sabi niya two months, tuloy ang laban,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez admitted that he and Ancajas were already looking forward to going to Japan for a shot at the WBA bantamweight belt of Inoue. He says that fight postponements are nothing new and that they know how to do the necessary to make sure that the former IBF junior bantamweight champion remains sharp.

ANCAJAS ASKING FANS TO PRAY FOR INOUE

For his part, Ancajas admits that he is a bit disappointed although Inoue’s injury is something that no one has control over.

“Dismayado din po sa nangyari pero wala naman kaming magagawa kasi disgrasya talaga po ang nangyari kay Takuma. Hindi nila inaasahan na ganon. Hindi din naman nila kagustuhan and nangyari kasi naghahanda din sila,” Ancajas said.

Despite Inoue’s rib injury, Ancajas downplayed the notion that it would be to his advantage. Instead, he did the noble thing, asking his supporters and boxing fans to pray for the speedy recovery of the 27-year-old Japanese boxer.

“Sa lahat po na naghihintay ng laban namin ni Takuma, pagpasensyahan na lang po kasi na postpone ang laban. Di natin inaasahan na may injury si Takuma po,” Ancajas started.

“Hiling ko po sana ay pagdasal din natin po si Takuma na mag-heal kaagad yung injury niya. Asahan niyo po na ma-schedule ulit po, sa January daw po. Abangan niyo ang laban namin po,” Jerwin added.

The native of Davao del Norte is looking to book another win after winning via technical knockout over Wilner Soto last June 24.

With more time to prepare, there is no doubt that this will work to Ancajas’ advantage even if he does not admit it. He and Jimenez need to keep their focus and not get complacent, especially considering Inoue has lost only once in 19 fights.

A familiar name that Takuma Inoue defeated is Jade Bornea. Both clashed on December 13, 2022, with the Japanese winning via TKO in the 8th round.