Pinoy boxer Jerwin Ancajas receives rousing welcome in Puebla, Mexico

Filipino boxing champ Jerwin Ancajas was pleasantly surprised at the warm welcome given to him by fans in Puebla, Mexico.

At the market square in Puebla, Mexican fans greeted the sixth longest reigning world champion and asked for photos with him, according to a report by Chino Trinidad on GMA News TV's Balitanghali Weekend.

Ancajas said he did not think people in Puebla would know who he is.

The boxer is in the city to defend his IBF superflyweight belt for the eighth time against opponent Miguel Gonzalez on Saturday.

"'Yung tao po, grabe 'yung suporta nila sa boxing. Iba 'yung pakiramdam mo 'pag nandito ka sa Puebla sa Mexico... Talagang love na love nila ang boxing," Ancajas said.

For Joven Jimenez, head trainer and manager of Ancajas since 2009, it is a big deal for Mexicans to show respect for the Pinoy boxer.

However, they need to focus on defending his title.

"Dapat hindi magkasakit. Iwas muna sa mga distraction, problema. Focus sa laban. 'Yun na lahat. Basta 'wag mag-kumpiyansa sa laban," Jimenez said.

Inside the makeshift ring in Puebla, Ancajas showed his boxing moves to sports fans.

He also took the opportunity to thank the Mexicans for the warm welcome. —KG, GMA News