Ramirez blasts ‘emotional’ decision to pull out boxers

NAKHON Ratchasima – Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez took exception to the “emotional” decision that prompted the pullout of the boxing team from the men’s finals Wednesday and resulted in lost gold medals for the Philippine contingent seeking a decent fourth place overall in the 24th Southeast Asian Games.

“What should have been done is to take a step back, draw a deep breath and not let emotions affect your decision,” said Ramirez. “Naging emotional kasi masyado and that, I believe, is not the right route to take, especially in an international sporting competition such as these games.”

The PSC chief’s remarks are expected to draw a heavy line between those who decided to pull out and those who felt they should not make such moves since they are competing in international competitions using people’s money.

The pullout, which led to a silver medal finish by six of the seven Filipino finalists, prevented the Filipino boxers from competing or completing the three rounds of the boxing finals in each of the six categories.

On instructions of boxing chief Manny Lopez, Godfrey Castro (flyweight), June Cantancio (bantamweight) and Joegin Ladon (lightweight) left the ring after the first round. This alarmed Asian boxing officials who called Lopez to a meeting to inquire about the problem.

To avoid possible sanctions, Lopez allowed his next two boxers – Junie Tizon (middleweight) and Max Tabangcora (light heavy) – to fight for one round before they also retired. The last two boxers. Larry Semillano decided to complete the bout and lost, 4-8 to Thai Boonjamnong.

Thai journalists at the Main Press Center also called the act “unsportsmanlike.”

“They should have fought first, then they complain. Why do they complain about something that has not yet happened,” said a journalist from a leading Bangkok newspaper.

The Philippines and Singapore were neck and neck in the fight for fifth place with 39 gold medals each before the boxers were instructed to concede their bouts to the Thais.

Deputy chef de mission Richie Garcia said it was a collegial decision to pull out of the boxing finals.

“How many times has this happened?” he said. “Hindi na tayo naniniwala sa proseso. Maniniwala ka ba na ang talo ng champion natin sa Thai ay 19-0.”

Garcia was referring to the loss of Ronijen Sofla to Thai Peamwalai Laopeam in the featherweight category.

The “collegial” decision was arrived at by chef de mission Monico Puentevella, Lopez, POC secretary-general Steve Hontiveros and wushu president.

Thai boxers made all 17 weight category finals, winning 16 and conceding only one to the Philippines through Annalisa Albania over Thai Hansa Kadeewong via referee stopped contest in the flyweight category.

Ramirez, who returned here after working on the athletes’ increased allowances, was in Bangkok when the move was made and could only frown and shake his head upon learning of it.

“The boxers should all have been made to fight because that’s the sporting thing to do,” he said. “Kung hindi man sila sport, hindi tayo dapat bumaba sa level nila.”

He added there are rules of engagement that are set whenever you see action in hostile territory. “Once nakita mo man na nadaya tayo, then you could file a protest, both formal and informal,” he said.

The RP boxers’ move, he added, could have repercussions in the country’s future participation in the biennial meet, that’s why sobriety and level-headedness should have been exercised.