CEBU, Philippines - Team Mandaue is assured of at least a silver and four bronze medals in the 2009 Mayor Freddie Tinga Cup National Invitational Amateur Boxing Championships at the Don Ambrosio gym of the Cantada Sports Center in Bagumbayan, Taguig City.
Coach Peter Cuizon told The Freeman that his ward Michael Romarate breezed through the championship of the 48 kgs. category with a bye.
Three other boxers, namely, Reoxyl Tabogon, Gerald Suico, Joseph Ebalang and Mark Bernaldez advanced into the semifinal round of their respectively categories.
Among the three semifinalists, Tabogon earned his slot in the 42 kgs. division. His other teammates had the luck of draw. Tabogon outsmarted the visibly tired Jason Bancho of Taguig to win on points. Tabogon will face Macria Gampiongco in the finals.
In the semifinals, Suico fights Bernard Torres of Tagbilaran City in the 45 kgs. class, Ebalang takes on Charlie Vertodazo of Misamis Oriental in the 51 kgs., while Bernaldez battles Melvin Besinga of Taguig. —Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)