TOKYO — I ran into a dear friend while dining on succulent deep-fried Japanese treats at Ueno’s pulsating Ameyoko area late Tuesday.
It was supposed to be just a quick food grab but our lunch got extended to another hour or so because the topic was simply hard to resist.
Besides, we haven’t seen each other the last five years and there was just a lot to catch up on.
Last time we got together, it was in Oakland when Jerwin Ancajas was still a world champion.
Still, Kei Nidaira remained the same: Respectful, humble and gracious.
You see, for a time, Kei used to help out in the corner of Ancajas.
Hardworking and soft-spoken, Kei is giddy with excitement that Ancajas looks headed to a world title fight in November.
The site? Most probably here in the Japanese capital.
A few days ago, a few boxing media outlets reported that Ancajas is all set to battle Takuma Inoue for the World Boxing Association bantamweight crown.
Ancajas is hot on the comeback trail and is poised to get his laurels back.
“You know what?” Kei said.
“Yes, Kei tell me,” I answered.
“Ancajas is very popular among boxing fans here in Japan. I know because I am a member of boxing forums and I know who are the favored fighters of Japanese fight fans.”
Apparently, Ancajas’ demeanor is what makes him a fan favorite.
“They like him a lot because of the way he behaves,” Kei said.
Ancajas doesn’t engage in trash talk and avid Japanese boxing followers put a premium on that.
“You won’t believe how popular he is.”
Really?
“So, when he gets to fight here in November, you’ll see.”
I nodded and smiled.
Kei is a true friend and a very decent human being.
Several years ago, when Filipino boxer Renerio Arizala fell into a coma after losing a fight in Yokohama, it was Kei who spent a lot of precious time with the stricken fighter.
Though he was not involved in Arizala’s fight, kindness and genuine concern prompted him to go the extra mile.
When Arizala awoke after a few days, Kei was right there and when Arizala started moving and talking, Kei was there, too.
He even got the boxer some stuff — a pair of sneakers and sports gear — just to cheer him up.
That’s how valuable and lovable Kei is.
If you end up going to war, you’d like to have him on your side.
