By JM Siasat

Joven Jimenez’ boxing stable is one of the hottest in the Philippines today. In a stable full of prospects, talent and potential, only one fighter has tasted defeat, his name is Jerwin Ancajas (13-1, 5KO’s).

The 20 year old southpaw from Davao del Norte, Philippines, is seen by many as the most skilled fighter in the stable. His work ethic however, is being questioned by some observers.

Ancajas started to box at the age of 9, he credits his brother for his boxing passion. “My big brother brought me to the gym, that’s how it all started” recalls Ancajas. He started to compete in the amateurs in 2003 and became the national youth champion at one point.

It wasn’t until 2009 that Ancajas decided to turn pro, a decision he planned long ago during his amateur days. “When my brother turned pro, I dreamt of being a pro myself. I’ve always wanted to become a professional boxer,” said Ancajas.

Ancajas dropped out of school when he was in his second year of high school, a decision empowered by his love for the sport. While many fighters end up in boxing for not having a choice, and many more resort to it as means to an end, it was Ancajas’ liking and decision to stop studies for boxing. “I can’t go on without boxing. I chose boxing over studies. I wanted to box instead of going to school,” told Ancajas.

Ancajas has been training for two good months for his ring return, working harder this time to avoid defeat.

“When I lost, I felt disappointed but it made me train harder” says Ancajas in relation to his last fight where he lost by a 10 round majority decision. “I thought I won the fight but at the same time I wasn’t very active, I wasn’t able to give it all” said Ancajas who currently spars with stablemate Froilan Saludar.

“Right now I’m not thinking of whom I want to fight, I just want to fight and fight. I dream of being a world champion and I know I will be a world champion. I just have to work hard for it."

Ancajas’ hard work doesn’t go unrecognized as his manager/trainer Joven Jimenez testifies to it.

“We want Jerwin to bounce back from his defeat. We’re making him undergo hard training, we see how focused he is for this fight."

Jerwin Ancajas is scheduled to fight John Mark Bautista (10-6-1, 4KO's) on the Vincent Palicte-Fredirex Rordiguez WBO Asia Pacific title fight on August 16 in Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

For questions, suggestions and feedbacks you can email jmsiasat@ymail.com. Follow me on twitter @JMSiasat. You can add me on facebook at www.facebook.com/jm1boxing