LIPA CITY – Jerwin Ancajas gave a good look at all three mural showing the three greatest Filipino boxers of all time as he was about to spar for the last time in preparation for his Jan. 29 defense of the IBF super-flyweight title in Macau.
One of just three reigning Filipino world champions, Ancajas hopes someday that his very own mural would adorn the walls of sportsman Hermie Esguerra’s cool and cozy gym in Lipa City, Batangas.
“Pangarap ko na maging kasing sikat nilang tatlo,” said Ancajas, his eyes transfixed on the giant images of Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde and Manny Pacquiao.
But Ancajas admits that he is still lightyears away although he is on the right direction.
Posing as a stumbling block on Jan. 29 is Mexican puncher Josel Alfredo Rodriguez, whom Ancajas labels as a seasoned campaigner.
“Beterano,” he said.
But the Panabo City native insists that he is more than ready to put away Rodriguez the way he dismissed Puerto Rican McJoe Arroyo from whom he won the crown last year in Taguig.
Joven Jimenez, the fighter’s trainer and manager, maintains that the southpaw is armed to the teeth.
“Handang-handa si Jerwin. Hindi siya nagpapabaya sa ensayo,” said Jimenez.