The Philippine boxing team concluded its campaign in the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) Asian U22 & Youth Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, with four bronze medals.
Kicking off the medal tally was Robert Malunoc, Jr., who clinched Team Philippines’ first bronze in the men’s youth 48-kilogram division.
Malunoc showcased his superb skills, but narrowly missed a spot in the final, falling to Tajikistan’s Muinkhodzha Muminov in the semifinals.
In the men’s under-22 48 kg division, Jay Bryan Baricuatro added to the team’s medal count by securing another bronze.
Baricuatro absorbed a decision loss in the semifinals against eventual champion Vishvanath Suresh, settling for the bronze medal.
Mark Anthony Fajardo fought another close bout in the men’s U22 63.5 kg division, clinching yet another bronze for Team Philippines. Fajardo fought valiantly, but was edged out in the semifinals by Kazakhstan’s Yerasyl Tankay.
Rounding up the country’s medal tally was Flint Jara, who secured the country’s fourth bronze medal. Despite receiving a bye in the first round, Jara faced tough competition in the semifinals and ultimately conceded to Mongolia’s Enkhsaikhan Oyun-Erdene.
The ASBC Asian U22 & Youth Boxing Championships, held from April 27 to May 7, provided a platform for young boxing talents to showcase their skills in the Asian stage.
The Philippine contingent was accompanied by coaches Roel Velasco, Pat Gaspi, and Elias Recaido.