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Friday, March 29, 2024

RIP, Boybits…

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At least 18 players contacted by the management team of the Philippine Azkals have responded positively when asked if they could join the squad in its friendlies against Kuwait and Jordan later this month. Two have not responded yet, while several others are being considered too for the tune-up games.

A formal letter is expected to come from the Philippine Football Federation soon to formalize the call up of those who will be invited to the team.

Gerrit Holtmann is doubtful if he can join the team. The winger for Bundesliga side Vfl Bochum is recovering from an injury and with the matches set on the 24th and the 28th, the time will not be enough for his full recovery.

Get well soon, Gerrit. And good luck to the Azkals against Kuwait and Jordan.

On a more welcome news. A good friend is taking a big step in fulfilling his ultimate dream.

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The last time The Designated Kit Man saw boxer Charly Suarez was in Rio de Janeiro for a dinner hosted by the officials of the Philippine delegation to the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Seven years later, I got the chance to reconnect with Suarez, now a professional boxer with an unblemished record of 14 wins, 8 via knockouts, but still the same humble, God-fearing and soft spoken person I knew then.

Suarez, now known as the King’s Warrior, came over our radio show, 3PTS-Pambansang Tambayan ng Sports aired live over DZME 1530 khz, to give us an update on his most important match in his storied career–a title elimination match against undefeated Paul Fleming in Sydney, Australia on March 15, 2023.

An Olympian like Suarez, Fleming has not tasted any defeat in 28 bouts and is the overwhelming favorite in the match. A reality that is not lost to Suarez.

“Kailangan ko po talaga na manalo sa laban na ito. Isa po itong opportunity to give my best. So wala na po talaga excuse para hindi po gawin ang lahat para manalo,” Suarez said.

Suarez had a splendid career in the amateur ranks, winning several medals in the Southeast Asian, Asian Games and in other tournaments before finally turning professional. Some might consider his decision to turn pro in 2019 a few years late. Suarez, however, is quite happy with his decision to turn pro four years ago. He said it gave him the mental preparation and the maturity he needed in the ring. Which he will need most against Fleming who will be backed by a hostile crowd praying and wishing for Suzarez’s doom.

“Matagal na po akong takot pero na-overcome ko na po ang takot ko. Na-overcome ko na siya kaya hoping talaga ako na makuha ko ang panalo. Pagsu-sumikapan ko po, God willing and with His protection, maiuwi ko po apat na belt ni Fleming,” he added.

Incidentally, Suarez was recently promoted as Private First Class in the Philippine Army. No less than Army Commanding General, Lt.Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., led the ceremony recognizing Suarez’s exploits in the ring.

Aside from the Fleming’s International Boxing Federation Intercontinental Super Flyweight title, the World Boxing Association’s Oceania, World Boxing Council’s Asian Boxing Council and the International Boxing Organization’s Intercontinental titles are also at stake.

Here’s hoping that our kababayans in Sydney will troop to Kevin Betts Stadium in Mt. Druitt, New South Wales to support Suarez in his quest to win a world title.

Let’s go Charly!

The LGR Hoops, now on its 12th season, will unfold this coming Sunday, March 5, at 2 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. At least 49 teams competing in four divisions have confirmed their participation in the tournament that aims to give a venue for hoopsters–in varying shapes, sizes, age and skills–to further develop their passion and love for the game of basketball.

Rhayan Cruz, President of LGR Hoops, says he expects another banner season with teams taking the competition to the next level.

“The level of competition is always high. Teams are very competitive from the get go. Moreover, the respect is always there. No team can underestimate any of their opponents,” Cruz said.

At least 10 teams are seeing action in the Starter Division, 13 in the Neophyte bracket and nine in the Novice competitions. Seven teams are in the Icon Division.

“It is always our aim to invite more teams to take part in the tournament. We have created special divisions this season to give more reasons for community basketball to thrive. Help from sponsors will be much appreciated too so that we can continue to sustain the league and further advance the sport of basketball in the country,” Cruz added.

On a personal note, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Emmanuel “Boybits” Victoria, the former PBA Rookie of the Year, and San Beda Red Lion. Victoria succumbed to a heart attack last Wednesday night. He was 50.

I first saw Victoria in the flesh during my first year in the then best boys’ school in Mendiola on my way to a PE class. It was on a fastbreak run that I saw him, just 5’10”, dunking the ball effortlessly during a scrimmage with the Red Cubs, the high school varsity team of SBC. Right after that moment, I became a fan and proud schoolmate.

I was also present when Boybits led a gritty Red Lions team that almost ended a decades-long title drought in the NCAA. The Red Lions lost the title game in the dying seconds against Benny Cheng and the Mapua Cardinals in 1991.

Rest in peace, King Red Lion and Bedan brother.

Please don’t forget to watch and tune in this Sunday, February 12, 2023 from 2 to 3 p.m. for another interesting discussion at 3PTS–Pambansang Tambayan ng Sports over DZME 1530 KHZ. Several guests are expected to join us in the program.

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

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