Jonas Sultan returns to ring, trains with Jimenez, Ancajas

Jonas Sultan hopes to get back into the international boxing radar when he tangles with veteran Danny Tampipi on May 29.

The former world title contender last fought on August 17, 2019, and is raring to return to the ring after a 21-month break.

Though tagged as the heavy favorite, Sultan, who beat World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Johnriel Casimero in a title eliminator in 2017, isn’t taking Tampipi lightly.

“I’m excited to fight again,” said Sultan in Filipino. “I’m in good shape but I won’t underestimate him (Tampipi). I saw some of his fights and he is big and packs power.”

After spending two weeks in Zamboanga, where he trained alongside Tokyo Olympics-bound Eumir Marcial and briefly with International Boxing Federation super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, Sultan flew to Manila on Saturday and proceeded to the Survival Camp of Ancajas and trainer Joven Jimenez in Barangay Ramirez, Magallanes, Cavite.

Sultan forged a strong bond with Ancajas and Jimenez after serving as Ancajas’ main sparring partner for his ninth title defense against Mexican Jonathan Rodriguez in Uncasville, Connecticut, last month.

Now, Jimenez and Ancajas are helping him in the final stage of preparations for his fight against Tampipi (9-12-2 with 5 knockouts) to be held in Laguna.

“I’ll try my best and show the new version of myself,” said Sultan, who shadow-boxed before going through mitss sessions with Ancajas and Jimenez on Saturday.

Sultan (16-5, 10 knockouts) wrapped up his training for the day by pounding the heavy bags.

If Sultan wins, MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons intends to include him in the undercard of Ancajas’ 10th title defense likely to be held in September in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sultan is under ZC Kings International Boxing Promotions of Zamboanga philantrophist Cory Navarro and sportsman son Junnie Navarro. – Rappler.com