Caltex RP pugs off for Prague

A crack seven-man boxing team will be leaving for Czech Republic today to participate in the 31st Grand Prix International tournament which serves as part of Team Caltex Philippines' final preparation for its campaign in the third and final Asian qualifying for the Olympics set April 2-9 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Lightweight Larry Semillano and flyweight Arlan Lerio, who together with Romeo Brin, have gained slots for the Sydney Games, head the list of fighters taking a Lufthansa flight to Prague to compete in the Grand Prix slated March 2-6.

Also in the delegation headed by Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines chairman Mel Lopez are light flyweight Danilo Lerio, bantamweight Roel Laguna, featherweight Ramil Zambales, light welterweight Anthony Igusquiza and welterweight Reynaldo Galido.

Accompanying the team, sponsored by Caltex Philippines, Pacific Heights and the PSC, are coaches Raul Liranza, Nolito Velasco and Pat Gaspi and international referee Ernesto Peque.

Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco Jr. and Christopher Camat will be left behind but will continue to work out in their bid to gain slots in the Philippine team to be sent to the final Asian Olympic qualifier in Bangkok.

"We're leaving no stone unturned to achieve our goal of having at least seven fighters going to Sydney to take a shot at ending the country's hunt for a first Olympic gold medal," said ABAP president Manny Lopez.