RP pugs start tuneup for Asiad, will compete in Europe

The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP), in its resolve to bounce back from a sorry performance in the last Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, continues its preparation for the coming Busan Asian Games in South Korea with participation in two international world-ranking tournaments late this month.

In partnership with Caltex Philippines and the Philippine Sports Commission, the ABAP will send a 10-man team to the Grand Prix International Boxing Championships Usti Nad Labem, Czech Republic and the Chemistry Cup in Halle, Germany.

ABAP president Manny Lopez said participation in these two highly-competitive tournaments is a vital part of Team Caltex Philippines’ program for the Asiad and will fasttrack the association’s long-range training program started early last year.

"Team Caltex Philippines has been honored with invitations to these two prestigious tournaments where the best European boxers compete. We were also informed that participation of Cubans and Americans plus Asian powers Thailand and South Korea will also see action in these tournaments. These two events will gauge the present form of our local boxers against our Asian neighbors," Lopez stated.

At present, light welterweight Romeo Brin has been named member of the 10-man squad while slots for the other weight divisions are still being contested by 10 other members of the national training pool.

Vying for the light flyweight seat are Harry Tanamor and Lhyven Salazar while Violito Payla and Rene Villaluz and Vincent Palicte and Arlan Lerio are bidding for the berths in the flyweight and bantamweight classes, respectively. Roel Laguna and Genebert Basadre are fighting for the featherweight division slot while it will be a choice between Anthony Igusquiza and Larry Semillano in the lightweight division.

The Grand Prix tournament is set on Feb. 28 to March 4 while the Chemistry Cup is slated March 5 to 10.