DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 08 February) — The Senate on Wednesday adopted Senate Resolution 606 commending and congratulating Mindanawon boxer Jerwin Ancajas for retaining his International Boxing Federation Junior Bantamweight title at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, United States last Sunday.
Born and raised in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, the 26-year old Ancajas won the IBF crown via a 10th round technical knockout against Israel Gonzales of Mexico.
Senator and world boxing icon Emmanuel Pacquiao filed Senate Resolution 606. He said Ancajas made the 4th successful defense of his world title and has been victorious in his last 16 fights, 15 of these by knockout.
“May his victory inspire budding, home-grown athletes to excel in international sporting arenas. Let us continue to give our all-out support to our athletes,” he said.
On Monday, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, another Mindanawon, lauded Ancajas for bringing honor to the country.
“Jerwin Ancajas is the champion of Filipinos and Mindanaonons”, said Pimentel.
Ancajas, he said, is the first world champion produced by MP Promotions, owned by Senator Pacquiao.
“Jerwin showed the determination and the ‘never surrender’ spirit displayed by Senator Pacquiao and other world boxing champions from Mindanao. His victory is another badge of honor for our country,” he said.
Pimentel said Ancajas is a member of an “exclusive club of Filipino world boxing champions from Mindanao, which includes Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire Jr., Milan Melindo, and Rolando Navarrete.” (MindaNews)