Roy Luarca/INQUIRER
Corpus Christi, Texas—Jerwin Ancajas regards Manny Pacquiao so highly that his words were enough to uplift his spirits.
When the eight-division world champion prayed over him over the phone Friday night, Ancajas was so moved that he felt goose bumps.
“Parang gusto kong umiyak (I felt like crying),” bared Ancajas, who idolizes the Philippine senator.
They talked again shortly before he fought Israel Gonzalez on Saturday.
Pacquiao, his benefactor by way of MP Promotions, encouraged him to give his best.
“He urged me to forget about the pressure,” said Ancajas, who did not disappoint with a 10th round knockout of Gonzalez.
His fourth successful title defense put him on a collision course with compatriot and IBF No. 1 contender Jonas Sultan, unless Top Rank’s Bob Arum decides to pay Sultan’s camp a step-aside fee and choose a more interesting opponent.