Photo by Roy Luarca/INQUIRER
Corpus Christi, Texas—Throw more punches and be accurate at the same time.
These are the key components of the fight plan trainer Joven Jimenez plotted for Jerwin Ancajas in his first fight in the United States with his International Boxing Federation junior bantamweight title on the line.
As the 12-round bout is going to be beamed all over the world, Jimenez wants Ancajas’ fighting stance to be camera-friendly and viewer-satisfying this time.
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Unlike in Ancajas’ six-round stoppage of Jamie Conlan in Belfast, Northern Ireland, last November, when he unloaded just one or two punches most of the time, he’ll be unleashing 3,4,5 combinations to befuddle Gonzalez.
Jimenez clarified that they’re not chasing a quick knockout, but Ancajas will surely go for the kill if given the opening.
“If Jerwin finds a hole, he’ll follow through up to the end,” said Jimenez, a former Navyman and amateur boxer,
According to Jimenez, Ancajas will exploit the Mexican’s unsteady footwork and slower punches by moving constantly and in different directions.
“His movement is not synchronized, his legs wander,” said the 45-year-old Jimenez.
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Being the underdog and the challenger, Jimenez expects Gonzalez to be the aggressor in the early rounds, with Ancajas trying to measure him up.
But once he feels Ancajas’ power, the Mexican will change his tactics, said Jimenez, similar to Conlan, who later opted to fight from the outside, but still get nailed in the sixth round.
But even if Gonzalez keeps his distance, Jimenez said Ancajas is going to chase him down.
“Jerwin is a more refined and precise fighter now,” swears Ancajas. “He can box inside and out and is also comfortable in the middle of the ring.
“As he gained experience, he became more precise,” said Jimenez. “Now he has accuracy, timing and resistance.”
Jimenez disclosed that Ancajas has gained power with his shorter delivery and has perfected the left straight to inflict damage.
But if Gonzalez proved tough to crack, Ancajas is also ready to go the full route of 12 rounds.
For this fight, that would be a big letdown.