Pabila cops bronze in Ammet Cup

Light-flyweight Albert Pabila emerged as the lone Filipino medalist in the prestigious 42-nation Ammet Comert Cup XXI International Boxing Tournament, which ended Saturday in Istabul, Turkey.

A native of Bacolod City, Pabila lost to Ukrainian Georgiv Chigaev in the semifinals, 26-12, and settled for the bronze medal.

The bronze-medal show equalled the result of the Philippine campaign last year courtesy of light-flyweight Godfrey Castro.

This year’s event, however, drew larger participation from Asia, Europe, Africa and North American countries.

Lightweight Mitchel Martinez and Anthony Marcial lost in their respective bids for at least the bronze medals as they lost in the quarterfinals. Marcial bowed to Mukhtar Ismagulov of Kazahkstan, 43-27.

Pabila beat a Romanian pug in the quarterfinals to make the medal round.

"I laud the discipline and valor of our Pinoy boxers and coaches," said delegation head and Northern Samar Governor Raul Daza.

Head coach of the team supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Pacific Heights was Alex Arroyo of the Philippine National Police and Boy Catolico.