Jerwin Ancajas faces dangerous Mexican foe in Oakland

OAKLAND – IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas will earn his biggest paycheck of $140,000 when he takes on Mexican challenger Alejandro Santiago in a 12-round title bout at the Oracle Arena here this morning (Manila time) and the Panabo, Davao del Norte, native, making his sixth defense, is determined to win convincingly to pave the way for a unification showdown against WBC ruler Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand next year.

Ancajas, 26, is aware that a slip-up will ruin his chances of even bigger paydays ahead so he’s not looking beyond Santiago whose corner features celebrated trainer Romulo Quirarte and his three sons. Quirarte, 72, has worked with a slew of Mexican champions, including Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr. and Jr., son-in-law Raul (Jibaro) Perez, Juan Jose (Dinamita) Estrada, Manuel (Mantecas) Medina, Jorge Paez and Antonio DeMarco. Working Ancajas’ corner will be Joven Jimenez, Todd Makelim, Delfin Boholst and Bobby Jalnaiz.

Ancajas is expected to unveil the newfound speed and power he gained in training, applying methods learned by Boholst during a five-day Fullerton State strength and conditioning course last May. Boholst, a two-time Asian Games fighter and retired Philippine Army first lieutenant, enrolled in the course to learn new techniques in improving Ancajas’ condition. He also consulted Asian Games weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz on tips to strengthen Ancajas’ legs, core and shoulders.

“Handang-handa na ako,” said Ancajas. “Hindi ako nahirapan makuha ang timbang. Tamang-tama lang ang aking preparasyon.” Ancajas went through about 80 rounds of sparring at the Survival Gym in Magallanes, Cavite then tapered off when he arrived here Wednesday last week. At the weigh-in yesterday, Ancajas scaled 114.2 pounds. The night before, he tipped in at 115.6. Santiago scaled 114.6. The superflyweight limit is 115.

Jimenez said Ancajas will take control of the middle of the ring. “Maliit si Santiago kaya hindi niya kayang dalhin si Jerwin sa lubid at kanto,” he said. “Mautak si Santiago. Papasok lang siya kung makita niya na napapagod si Jerwin. Nasa timing lang. Mas may diin ang mga suntok ni Jerwin at mas maganda ang kaniyang footwork. Ang babantayan natin ay ang left hook at right straight ni Santiago. Labas-pasok ang gagawin ni Santiago at lalaban ng distansya.”

Jimenez said Santiago’s only chance is to win on points because Ancajas can surely take his power. Ancajas is prepared to go the distance or end it within 12 rounds. Jimenez said Ancajas wasn’t explosive in his last defense against countryman Jonas Sultan so he’s out to put on a dominant performance against Santiago to make up for it.

Santiago, 22, is a dangerous fighter who describes himself as a technician. Quirarte’s experience will be an advantage in making adjustments during the fight. “I’ve worked hard to prepare for this fight,” said Santiago in Spanish. “I thank God for this opportunity. I’m calm and confident. I’m ready to win. I respect Ancajas like I respect Manny Pacquiao. I’ll box Ancajas for 12 rounds and use my body punches to wear him down. I started boxing at 14 and turned pro at 16. I’ve been trained by Mr. Quirarte from the start.”

Santiago, one of three children, said he learned boxing from the best trainer. A bachelor, he hopes to earn big money from boxing to support his father Agustin, a hot dog vendor, and mother Elizabeth, a housewife. Santiago has never been stopped, losing twice by decision, one a split, in a record of 16-2-4, with 7 KOs. Ancajas has a record of 30-1-1, with 20 KOs and is unbeaten in his last 17 outings since a majority decision loss to Mark Anthony Geraldo in Cebu in 2012.