Jerwin sets ring return here

MANILA, Philippines — It’s been six years and 12 fights ago since former IBF superflyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas fought in a local ring but the long absence will finally end in February next year when he makes his comeback as a bantamweight.

Ancajas, 30, said he’s not finished as a fighter and attributed the back-to-back losses to Argentina’s Fernando Martinez to losing his power in making the 115-pound limit. Now that he’s decided to move up to the 118-pound division, Ancajas said his body will be reenergized to bring back the fighting form that resulted in nine successful title defenses before running into Martinez. MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons said he expects Ancajas to contend for the world bantamweight title next year. Ancajas’ coach/manager Joven Jimenez said the target is super WBA/WBC/IBF champion Naoya Inoue of Japan.

“Jerwin killed himself trying to make the weight in fighting Martinez,” said Gibbons. “He actually did better in the rematch but couldn’t hold off Martinez for 12 rounds. Jerwin lacked the power to back him up. He’s far from done and he’s got a lot of fight left. He’s moving on and I predict Jerwin will become a world champion again. I think fighting in the Philippines will be good for Jerwin to get back on track and build up his confidence.”

Another Filipino former world champion Mark Magsayo will also make a comeback in February next year. Magsayo hasn’t fought since losing the WBC featherweight crown to Mexico’s Rey Vargas in Atlantic City last July and is no longer ranked in the top 10 of any governing body. Gibbons said he’s thinking of matching up Magsayo with former WBC/WBA superbantamweight titlist Brandon Figueroa who like Magnifico, has lost only once in his career. If the Magsayo-Figueroa duel pushes through, it could be a title eliminator as Vargas is expected to vacate the 126-pound title in the event he beats O’Shaquie Foster for the WBC superfeatherweight crown.

Magsayo now trains at the Brickhouse Boxing Club in Los Angeles with Marvin Somodio. “Pa-kundisyon muna si Mark habang naghihintay ng next fight,” said Somodio. Magsayo will stay in Los Angeles through the coming holidays.