SAFETY measures and strict competition protocols will be prioritized as boxing makes its debut as a demonstration sport in Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) president Marcus Manalo emphasized the importance of safeguards as the league prepares to stage bouts across five weight divisions next month.
“We want to keep it three rounds. But it’s critical for the referee to know when to issue a standing eight-count and when to stop the fight,” said Manalo.
Manalo explained that the initial staging of collegiate boxing events will also serve as an educational platform for NCAA member schools, helping them understand the sport’s fundamentals while ensuring athlete safety and minimizing the risk of accidents.
The introduction of boxing into the NCAA was made possible through coordination between the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and league officials.
Manalo also underscored the importance of having medical personnel on standby during competitions, in accordance with global boxing standards.
“Medical personnel is also important, and this adheres to world boxing competition rules,” he added.
The PSC, through chairman Patrick Gregorio, initiated discussions to include boxing in the collegiate calendar as part of its broader goal of developing elite athletes for international competitions such as the Olympics.
In addition to boxing, the PSC has also proposed gymnastics, weightlifting, and golf as demonstration sports for NCAA Season 101, further expanding opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a higher level.
