Jerwin Ancajas, Eumir Marcial off to US for training

Jerwin Ancajas with trainer Joven Jimenez off to the United States for training. PHOTO FROM JOVEN JIMENEZ FACEBOOK

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino boxing stars Jerwin Ancajas and Eumir Marcial on Wednesday left for Los Angeles where they will continue their training hoping to secure separate fights in the United States.

Ancajas was originally scheduled to defend his IBF super flyweight title against Mexican challenger Jonathan Rodriguez but the bout got postponed many times due to visa problems and the coronavirus pandemic.

“He’s just coming over here to train and prepare and hopefully, we can give him a fight by the end of the year,” said Manny Pacquiao Promotions president Sean Gibbons.

“The pandemic really set Jerwin back. We had some issues getting his visa which we resolved. He has now. He lost his fight date so at the moment, Top Rank doesn’t have any dates but we’re working on some stuff.”

Marcial, who recently turned professional and signed with MP Promotions, is on the same flight as Ancajas.

The Tokyo Olympian, who is determined to deliver the country’s first gold medal in the Summer Games next year, will be working out with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach at Wild Card Gym.

The 28-year-old Ancajas (32-1, 22 KOs) hasn’t made his ring return since stopping Miguel Gonzalez of Chile last December in Puebla, Mexico.

Gibbons is already targeting a December date for Ancajas’ ninth title defense.