Mandaue boxers aim at golden targets in Tinga Cup

CEBU, Philippines - After a successful bid in Palawan, the Mandaue City pugilists take on another challenge through the 2010 Mayor Tinga Cup Invitational Amateur Boxing Tournament beginning today at the Cantada Sports Complex in Taguig City.

Mandaue is fielding in five combatants in Reoxyl Tabogon, Michael Romarate, Basilo Sultan, Christian Apawan and Mark Bernaldez.

Tabogon will compete in the 46 kgs. division, Romarate in the 48 kgs., Sultan in the 51 kgs., Apawan in the 54 kgs. and Bernaldez in the 57 kgs. All of them under the 15-17 age-bracket.

Of the five, Bernaldez has the brightest chance of bringing home gold medal owing to his stellar showing in the National Youth Amateur Boxing Championships last month in Puerto Princesa, Palawan .

Romarate and Tabogon, on the other hand, hope to finally get the gold they missed during the inaugural staging of the Tinga Cup.

Last year, Tabogon wound up with a bronze under the 42 kgs. division, while Romarate ended up with a a silver in the 46 kgs .class.

The wards of coach Peter Cuizon failed to win gold, but all went home with medals last year.

Cuizon is confident that his boys will improve their performance because he has a better lineup this time around. “Last year, medyo sulay-sulay ra to amo. Karon,mas lig-on atong lineup so dapat lang na mas maayo ang results karon,” he said. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (THE FREEMAN)