Ancajas looks forward to ‘bantam’ debut

Former world champion Jerwin Ancajas will regain his reputation as a hard-hitter when he  begins fighting as a bantamweight.

"In the latter part of his days at 115 lbs (super-flyweight), he could no longer hurt his opponents," Ancajas' longtime manager and trainer Joven Jimenez said.

"That's the reason why his opponents began pressing the attack because they felt Jerwin could no longer hurt them," Jimenez said.

When Ancajas stages his comeback bout in February next year at 118 lbs, Jimenez believes his performance will be a throwback to the days when just about anyone he hits either falls or winces in pain.

"Jerwin will be comfortable at bantamweight because he will no longer be so concerned about maintaining 115," Jimenez added.

Ancajas reigned as International Boxing Federation champion from September 2016 until February 2022.

He was sensational up until his seventh or eighth defense but began to slow down immediately and his last few outings were no longer as exciting as his earlier defenses.

The jump to bantam gives Ancajas a great feeling since he has been promised a crack at a world title after one or two fights.

"Of course, I miss being called a world champion and the decision to fight at 118 is proof that I am still hungry for a world title," Ancajas, 30, said.

Ancajas has just fired a warning shot.