REDONDO BEACH, California – World boxing champion Jerwin Ancajas admitted to have felt miserable after his fight scheduled Saturday night (Sunday in the Philippines) fell through after his Mexican opponent failed to arrive.
But a recent episode back home in the Philippines involving his one-year-old daughter almost left him with a broken heart after failing to witness a momentous event.
“I was there when my two sons began taking their first steps,” said Ancajas, referring to Kyle and Kyrie.
“I held their hands and made sure they don’t fall,” said Ancajas.
“Then I slowly let go and felt very happy to see them take their first few steps.”
When the bubbly Jayce Kiera started becoming a handful and showed interest in taking those first steps, Ancajas wasn’t around to hold her hand.
And he wasn’t there either when she finally took hers.
“I feel sad because I missed that moment,” said Ancajas, who had just arrived in Los Angeles when Kiera began walking. “Just saw that when my wife (Ruth) sent the video.”
Ancajas won’t likely be returning home anytime soon.
Plans are afoot for him to make the eighth defense of the International Boxing Federation super-flyweight title on Dec. 7 in Pueblo, Mexico, possibly against Miguel Gonzalez of Chile.
If that fight gets confirmed, Ancajas will stay behind to train in Las Vegas, delaying his much-awaited return to the Philippines.
In the meantime, Ancajas is left without a choice but to endure the pain and suffering.
After all, Ancajas insists the sacrifice is going to be all worth it. (Nick Giongco)
