Mandaue City is set to host some 137 boxers from all over the country in the national championships of the Philippine Sports Commission – Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup on Sept. 7 to 10.
“Since we will be having boxers from Luzon and Mindanao, we chose to do it in the Visayas region, particularly Mandaue City, to play host for the national championships,” said supervising technical director Roger Fortaleza.
The boxing cup originally slated its preliminary round in Mandaluyong City, quarterfinal round in Murcia, Negros Occidental, semifinal round in Tagum City, Davao del Norte and final round in Sarangani Province, but was halted due to time constraints.
“We have merged the prelims, quarters, semis and finals in a four-day long of boxing, since we also have boxers that will compete in the upcoming Batang Pinoy national finals,”said Fortaleza.
But even with a month-long break, the former ABAP secretary-general Fortaleza expects no less than quality fights from the young brawlers.
“The amateurs will be tested in this national championship. We will eventually see the rise of new boxers that will represent our country,” added Fortaleza.
A coordination meeting with Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing and the local government unit of Mandaue City was done last Friday to finalize matters on the event.
Boxers will battle in five weight classes under the Youth Boys division and four under the Youth Girls division.
The boxing cup previously held the Luzon Finals last June 2 at Baguio City.