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Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Sultan Kudarat boxer leads advance of 8 others

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GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Reymar Brillo of Sultan Kudarat disposed of Zaldy Ricopuerto in 14 seconds in their 56-kg bout at the start of the Mindanao leg’s preliminary round of the Philippine Sports Commission-Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup at the Robinsons Place here.

The 18-year-old Brillo, who had fought in nearly a hundred amateur bouts already, came out like a fighting machine right from the bell and peppered his younger foe from Malungon, Saranggani with left and right combinations to the head.

 Ricopuerto fell on all fours and the referee didn’t even bother to count as he declared a knockout win for Brillo, who advanced along with eight other boxers to the Mindanao quarterfinals slated in February in Kidapawan City next year.

Reymar Brillo (in blue jersey) stands at the neutral corner as the referee signals the medical doctor to come up the ring and check on the fallen Zaldy Ricopuerto (Photo Courtesy of Joash Ricanor)

“Sabi lang ni coach kung makaya mo i-knockout, i-knockout out mo na,” said Ricopuerto, who is being recruited to turn professional. “Pero training po muna, pag-isipan ko po nang husto.”

His coach, Jimmy Cubay, said Brillo is a talented boxer who can represent the country in future international competitions.

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“Pag-isipan po namin itong kay Reymar. Nakikita ko kasi ang batang ito, may lakas at may tapang, mabait pa. Wala akong masasabi sa batang ito,” said Cubay, who has been training Brillo in the Sultan Kudarat team for nearly two years.

One of Cubay’s protégés, Carolyn Calungsod, is now with the national women’s team.

Other winners who advanced to the Mindanao quarterfinals were James Errol Gahaton (44-46kg Youth Boys) of Bgy. Labangal; General Santos City, Ben John Rey Yagahon (48kg.) of Malaybalay City; Jayson Brillo (48 kg.) of Sultan Kudarat; Ariel Almamento of Gen. Santos; Jake Sone Saludar of Polomolok, South Cotabao (46-49 kg.); Arceboy Baranggan of Aglayan, Gen. Santos City; John Ignacius Macas of Cagayan De Oro; and Criz Sander Laurente of General Santos (52kg.).

The Mindanao leg kicked off the national PSC-Pacquiao Cup which serves as a joint grassroots boxing program of the Philippine Sports Institute and Amateur Boxing Alliances in the Philippines.

The tournament hopes to discover promising amateur boxing talents that can be endorsed to the national pool.

Qualifying rounds will be held from Dec. 16 to April 7 in different venues nationwide.

The preliminary rounds for the national finals will be held on April 14 and 15 in Mandaluyong City, while the quarterfinals is slated April 21 and 22 in Bohol next year.

 Tagum City in Davao del Norte will host the semifinals on April 28 before the program returns to General Santos City for the finals on May 5.

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