Vargas forecast stays: 2 golds

PARIS — Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines chairman Ricky Vargas is sticking with his prediction that the Philippines can punch the breakthrough golden feat in the 2024 Olympics.

Vargas arrived in the French capital Thursday and witnessed Aira Villegas box her way to the 57kg quarterfinals with a unanimous win over Algeria’s Roumaysa Boualam.

“Before I came I said I would be happy with two gold medals. I think it’s very possible even at this point in time. (Our boxers) prepared hard, they worked hard and they just have to execute the game plan,” said Vargas.

Eumir Marcial and Hergie Bacyadan have kissed their Paris medal hopes goodbye, but Vargas is convinced both still have a good future ahead.

“Hergie is a new boxer but she works very hard. It’s her first Olympics and she’ll do better next time,” the affable boxing chief said.

“No excuses for Eumir. I messaged him immediately after the fight and I thanked him for all his sacrifices even for the country. Now is not the time to give up. There’s still a good future ahead for him,” Vargas added.

On Marcial being unsure on what path to take after his quick exit in this Games, Vargas said it’s the boxer’s life and it’s his decision to make.

But Vargas hopes that Marcial continues boxing “as I think he can be one of our better boxers.”

But at this point, Vargas believes Marcial has to choose one.

“Maybe, he can’t do both anymore. He has to choose whether to pursue his Olympic dream or to be a professional boxer. Either way, he’ll succeed if he chooses one. Doing both is difficult because it’s two different styles, two different rules, two different ways. Olympic boxing is different from professional boxing.”