By Carlos Costa
NAIA TERMINAL 1, Metro Manila -- Reigning world champion Jerwin "Pretty Boy" Ancajas arrived back in his beloved motherland, the Philippines, after making the 6th defense of his IBF super flyweight world title last weekend (Sep 28) at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California, USA.
Ancajas' non-stop Philippine Airlines flight PR 105 from San Francisco, USA to Manila touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 at around 5:35 AM, with the popular 26 year-old champion coming out from Immigration sporting sun glasses, looking in high spirits despite the nearly 15-hour journey, and BoxingScene was at NAIA on time at arrival area to meet him.
Fans and travelers took the opportunity to greet Ancajas and take photos and selfies with him; and the friendly Pinoy world champion obliged, smiling taking photos with all.
"Thanks be to God. I am so happy to be back," said the Ancajas, a polite, calmed and quiet young Filipino champion born in the Southern Filipino Province of Davao del Norte.
Ancajas was accompanied in his journey by his coach Joven Jimenez and members of his boxing team.
In addition, a number of Filipino sports journalists came back to the Philippines in the same PR 105 flight as they made the trip to the US to report on Ancajas' important world title battle.
In addition, Philippine government's Games and Amusement Board Boxing Chief Dioscoro B. Bautista made the trip to California to support the Filipino world titlist.
Last week, Ancajas (30-1-2, 20 KO's) scored a split decision draw with tough challenger Alejandro Santiago Barrios (16-2-5, 7 KO's) of Tijuana, Mexico.
It was a hard-fought clash in which a number of observers saw the Filipino narrowly outpointing the Mexican.
That is why, a large number of Ancajas fans were expecting a win. Nevertheless, the result was a draw.
"It does not really matter." commented a Jerwin's fan to BoxingScene.com today.
"Because what really matters is that Jerwin Ancajas is still our reigning world champion."
A committed Christian, Filipino Navy Officer, father, husband and world champion, Ancajas may now have his well-deserved rest over the coming weeks at his home with his loving family and new born baby.
And, since it all indicates that Ancajas feels comfortable and strong in his super flyweight division, it it highly likely that the "Pretty Boy's" future plan, will be the organizing with his team of his 7th world title defense.
The author Carlos Costa is a Panama-born BoxingScene.com Fight Reporter based in Cebu, Philippines. Carlos can be reached by email: Carlos512@hotmail.com and Whatsapp +639184538152.
