Ramirez wants 2 Cuban mentors for RP

BANGKOK – Despite the Filipino boxers’ debacle in the ongoing first AIBA Asian Boxing Olympic Qualifying tournament here, Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez remains supportive of the sport tipped to deliver the country’s first Olympic gold medal.

In fact, Ramirez said the sports body will be tapping not just one but two Cuban coaches to oversee the program of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines both in the elite and grassroots levels.

“This time, we have to change our plan,” said Ramirez, who arrived here Monday to provide support to the RP Smart-PLDT boxing team. “I am not taking anything away from our local coaches but these Cubans could really help us if we want to elevate our boxing program to the next level.”

Ramirez said the move has the blessings of ABAP president Manny Lopez, who felt sorry for the dismal campaign of the national boxers with four – flyweight Violito Payla, featherweight Orlando Tacuyan Jr., lighweight Genebert Basadre, lightwelter Adam Fiel – of the five sent here all dropping their initial assignments.

Only bantamweight Joan Tipon remained in the hunt for an Olympic berth but the Doha Asian Games gold medallist, who advanced to the semifinal round with a resounding victory over Pakistan’s Mukamamad Ali, will have to hurdle a Thai opponent in Worapoj Petchkoom to earn a ticket to Beijing.

“Manny has already agreed since this project will be in a close collaboration with the ABAP,” said Ramirez, who along with boxing patron Manny Pangilinan and Lopez, will fly to Havana, Cuba next week.

The ABAP chief welcomed Ramirez’s move “as long as it will be a collaborative effort among ABAP, PSC and other boxing stakeholders.”

According to Ramirez, the more experienced Cuban mentor will be tasked to supervise the training and preparation of the elite athletes in coordination with the local coaches in time for the second AIBA Asian Boxing Olympic Qualifying tournament in Kazakhstan this April.

Ramirez stressed that it doesn’t necessarily have to be “Cuba’s finest” but should have the expertise and technical know-how to help the Filipinos end their quest for the elusive Olympic gold medal.

“It’s all about dedication and the Cubans fully know that,” said Ramirez.