By NICK GIONGCO
TOKYO – The P1 million cash reward Manny V. Pangilinan is shelling out for Jerwin Ancajas will go a long way, the world champion’s chief handler Joven Jimenez said on Thursday.
Pangilinan pledged that amount during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night where Pangilinan, the country’s leading sports patron, assured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super-flyweight king of his full support.
“That would help us improve our facilities in our gym in Cavite,” said Jimenez, who co-owns the Survival Camp in the town of Magallanes, referring to Pangilinan’s hefty pledge.
The gym where Ancajas trains for big fights is not as equipped as the big training centers in Manila and elsewhere and Jimenez is deeply appreciative of the assistance being provided by the likes of MVP and even Tagaytay congressman Bambol Tolentino.
“Cong. Tolentino sent his people to do some work around the gym,” said Jimenez, who likewise thanked the precious contributions of businessmen Rey Serafica and Vincent Vargas and lawyer Bobbet Bruce to Ancajas.
The decision of MVP to lend a hand comes at a perfect time as there are plans for Ancajas to return to the ring in April in Las Vegas against mandatory challenger Jonas Sultan of ALA Boxing.
Ancajas is fresh from retaining the IBF 115-lb crown for the fourth time against Israel Gonzalez of Mexico in Corpus Christi, Texas.
From Manila, Ancajas reported to Jimenez his run-in with Pangilinan.
“I never expected that kind of treatment and I am very thankful for Mr. MVP’s support. Now I know why he is called MVP,” said Ancajas told Jimenez.
