Boxing Champ Ancajas Gets First Hero’s Welcome

International Boxing Federation super flyweight champion and Navy reservist, Jerwin Ancajas, was given a hero’s welcome upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Tuesday after his successful match with challenger Ryuichi Funai in Stockton, California last May 5.

Ancajas, who is a member of the Naval Reserve and has a rank of Chief Petty Officer, was welcomed by officers, men and women of the Philippine Navy (PN), Naval Reserve public affairs officer Capt. Jerber Belonio said in a statement.

He won his fight against Funai via a seventh round technical knockout.

The ring side doctor stopped the fight after determining that Funai has taken too much damage to be able to continue the fight. Ancajas, during a press briefing, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the welcome ceremony.

“It was my first time to be accorded this kind of welcome,” he said.

The boxing champion thanked the PN for its full support especially during the period of his five-week training at Marine Base Gregorio Lim, Ternate, Cavite, prior to the fight. (PNA)