Boxing, a rich source of gold medals for the country in international competitions in the past, hopes to deliver the knockout punch in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Alliance of Boxing Associations of the Philippines secretary-general Ed Picson expressed confidence in the Filipino boxers’ chances in the biennial competition scheduled Nov. 30-Dec. 11 in Manila.
“Everything is going well. Maganda ang training ng mga boxers natin at talagang pursigido sila na manalo ng golds sa SEA Games,” said Picson during the 24th “Usapang Sports” by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports at the National Press Club in Intramuros.
“There are 13 events in the SEAG— eight in men and five in women’s divisions. Mahirap sabihin kung ilang gold medals ang kaya natin, pero nasa atin ‘yung homecourt advantage,” added Picson, who represented ABAP president Ricky Vargas.n the weekly sports forum sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, PAGCOR, Community Basketball Association and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks.
But Picson had a word of caution to the Filipino boxers.
“We can’t take them (rivals) lightly. Madami na din magagaling. Kung dati ‘yung SEA Games parang dual meet lang ng Philippines at Thailand, ngayon iba na. Malalakas na din ‘yung mga kalaban, pati Indonesia at Vietnam at isa pang bansa, na sa abroad din nag-training,” explained Picson.
Picson also assured that only the best of the best will be selected to represent the country to ensure the country’s chances for the overall championships.
He said the members of the national team will be determined by late September or early October.
“Definitely, we’ll hold a series of qualifying competitions. We do not want to just handpick the members of the national team,” said Picson. “Madami tayong magaling na boxers ngayon. ‘Yung members ng Team B nakikipagsabayan na ngayon sa Team A. Wala ng kuya-kuya.”
Among the top fighters expected to make it to the national team are Felix Marcial and Josie Gabuco, who both captured the golds in the India Open, one of the strongest comperitions in the region.
Another boxer being eyed is Carlo Paalam, who earned the bronze in the same Indian tournament despite an early injury.
“Madami pa silang training at tournaments. Both the men and women’s teams are still in India for boxing camp. May pupunta sa Shanghai, China then sa Thailand for the King’s Cup. May training camp din sa Uzbekistan, China and even the US, pati pocket tournaments,” he explained.“Siyempre malaking tulong ang PSC under Chairman Butch Ramirez. Halos lahat ng request namin para sa national team, ibinibigay.”
“Chairman Ramirez was able to secure permission to allot an additional P600 million for training of athletes for the SEAG. It’s not a big amount, but malaki na din talagang tulong hindi lang sa boxing but sa lahat ng NSAs.”
Asked about the recent decision of the International Olympic Committee to suspend AIBA, Picson expressed hope that the issue will be resolved during the IOC General Assembly scheduled later this month.
“Nag-aalala rin kami sa ABAP kung ano ang pinaghahandaan namin, pero umaasa naman kami na maaayos lahat sa general assdebly ng IOC,” said Picson, also the communications director of the Philippine Olympic Committee under Vargas.
“The IOC said it will carefully study the situation. For now, may caretaker person for boxing na in-assign ang IOC,” said Picson.
“Pero madami lang ang umaangal dahil ‘yung nilagay nila is the president of the Japan Gymnastics Association. Bakit nga naman gymnastics. Inamin nga nu’n tao na ngayon palang sya magtatanong tungkol boxing.”
Picson also said that the proposal for the WBA to run boxing in the Olympics was also not accepted. “Madami rin ang hindi sumasangayon sa WBA proposal. Hopefully sa general assembly ngayong buwan, magkakaroon na lahat ng linaw.”