ANCAJAS FINALLY GETS HEROES WELCOME FROM OWN HOMETOWN

MinProba president Jilson Basang (extreme right) with Jerwin Ancajas and wife Ruth during the motorcade.

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte — Filipino world boxing champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas was finally given a heroes’ welcome at his own hometown in Panabo City last Monday in separate venues.
Ancajas, who successfully defended his IBF world super flyweight title via a 7th round technical knockout against Japanese challenger Teiru Kinoshita last July 2 in Brisbane, Australia was toured around the city proper on a motorcade from the city hall.
It ended at his former alma mater Panabo City National High School which also hosted a sumptuous lunch.
Mayor James Gamao thanked Ancajas for bringing honor to Panabo and for being an inspiration to the young athletes and the youth.
Ancajas, 25 was accompanied by his wife Ruth and two sons and some friends including Mindanao Professional Boxing Association (MinProba) president Engr. Jilson Basang (also a fellow alumni), treasurer Ricardo “Bong” Javier, Mindanao Ring Officials Association (MinRoa) president Brembot Dulalas, and Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Davao OIC Arlene Olondrez and Supervisor Datu Fahd Sinsuat.
They later went to the Congressional Office of Rep. Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo and at his nearby Barangay Una Boxing Gym.
“Dito po ako galing sa Panabo amateur boxing team. Malaki po ang akin utang na loob sa kanila,” said Ancajas, who also met his former teammates and coaches.
Ancajas also received the DavNor Golden Sports Excellence Award from Gov. Anthony del Rosario and two plaques of congratulations from Barangay Una and Panabo City.
“I wish him (Ancajas) well and hopefully he can still win more world titles,” said Anthony Sasin of the Congressional Office.
Ancajas, who was also joined by his father Cesario then proceeded to the Tagum Development Corporation (Tadeco) and was also given a warm welcome by its employees and the students of the Don Antonio Floirendo Sr. High School.
“I’m more inspired to train now after this recognition that has been given to me,” said Ancajas, who was welcomed by the thousands of students with drums and cheers while waving their flaglets.
The others also asked for autographs and selfies.
“Lipay kaayo ko na naka anhi pud ko dire sa Tadeco,” said Ancajas, who is now slated to make his mandatory title defense against the winner between two Filipino boxers — former two-time world champion Johnriel “Quadro Alas” Casimero (24-3-0, 15 KOs) and Jonas “Zorro” Sultan (13-3-0, 9 KOs) on Sept. 6 in Cebu.
Ancajas, who was also earlier given a heroes ‘ welcome in Davao City last month will next visit his mother in General Santos City before he flies back to Manila on August 21 to resume his training at the Elorde Gym in Imus, Cavite.
His trainer-manager Joven Jimenez is currently in the US for the fight of his stablemate Alexis Aguelo.