Mandaue confident of defending title in ABAP Visayas slugfest

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City is confident of defending its title when the PLDT-ABAP Visayas Amateur Boxing Championships unfolds on January 24 in Dumaguete City.

Like Cebu City, Mandaue will be fielding in only eight combatant. Head coach Peter Cuizon said Mandaue lacked two pugs due to age qualification.

Among those who will represent Mandaue to the four-day slugfest organized by the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) are the Dignos brothers Welmark and Melmark, Ferde San Roque, Rolan Servania, Kevin Jake Cataraja, Dann Lou Codilla, Cherwellan Cantel and Mardy Muaña.

Cuizon said he is confident of their title retention campaign as most of his wards are seasoned fighters except for Servania.

Two of Mandaue’s gold medallists in Codilla and Cataraja are also still in the lineup, giving them a high confidence level.

Mandaue’s bets have been honing their skills under the famed ALA Boxing Gym. They have also been exposed to different tournaments here, making them ready for the qualifying event of the ABAP National Championships set next month in Tagbilaran City. (FREEMAN)