Tipon assumes new role for RP boxers

DOHA, Qatar — Boxer Joan Tipon, one of the country’s brightest gold medal prospects, does not mind the extra load on his shoulders following the absence of two-time Olympian Harry Tañamor.

"Okey lang naman ang pressure. Ensayado po naman tayo," said the 24-year-old Southeast Asian Games bantamweight champion.

Tipon was one of 93 athletes and officials who planed in Tuesday evening, three days ahead of the 15th Asian Games.

On hand to greet the main wave of athletes and officials were Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Butch Ramirez, the delegation’s chef de mission, and commissioner Richie Garcia.

"I still believe we can win five gold medals here,’’ said Ramirez who is pinning his hopes on bowling, billiards and the combat sports of boxing, taekwondo, karate and wushu.

The Filipinos won three gold, seven silver and 13 bronze medals four years ago in Busan, South Korea.

One of those silvers came from Tañamor who was removed from this year’s team due to breach of discipline.

Without Tañamor, the boxing team lost a potential gold winner and a proven leader.

But Tipon is more than ready to fill in the shoes left by the 23-year-old Tañamor.

"May tiwala naman ako sa aking mga teammates," said Tipon who won two international tournaments in Pakistan and Finland this year.

Five of the eight-man boxing team have little international experience, including Godfrey Castro who took the spot left by Tañamor.

Castro, however, showed his mettle by beating Tanamor in a recent tune-up bout held in Baguio.