Jerwin Ancajas recently got a big jolt as he ramps up his preparation for a world title shot next month in Tokyo.
Six weeks before his scheduled crack at the World Boxing Association bantamweight of defending champion Takuma Inoue, Ancajas met with the great Manny Pacquiao and discussed his 24 February duel at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena.
Present during the event was MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons and the fighter’s longtime trainer and manager Joven Jimenez.
Ancajas, who held the International Boxing Federation super-flyweight title from 2016 until 2022, is one of a bevy of talents fighting under the Pacquiao-owned outfit.
Currently, Ancajas is getting help in training from select members of the Philippine national team.
Ancajas was supposed to battle Takuma, younger brother of undisputed world super-bantamweight king Naoya, last November.
But Takuma suffered an injury a little over two weeks before the original date of 15 November fight, forcing Ohashi Promotions to postpone the showdown to allow Takuma to seek treatment and recover.
Ancajas will be the first Filipino boxer to shoot for a world title in 2024.
A couple of weeks ago, Marlon Tapales failed to become an undisputed champion after falling to Naoya at the Ariake Arena.
Apart from Ancajas, those expected to get their title chances include fellow bantams Vincent Astrolabio and Reymart Gaballo, Pedro Taduran and Mark Magsayo, who had an explosive debut at super-featherweight.
