RP fighters crash out of World Youth

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Light-flyweight Gerson Nietes Jr. and lightweight Rolando Tacuyan succumbed to their respective rivals and the Philippines bowed out in the first International Boxing Association (AIBA) Youth World Championships Tuesday at the Lopez Mateos Gymnasium here.

The 16-year-old Nietes lost to Uzbekistan’s Jasurbek Latipov, 17-6, while Tacuyan was ambushd by Japanese Kenki Toda, 12-8.

Nietes and Tacuyan joined teammates Welbeth Loberamis (flyweight), Aston Francis Palicte (bantamweight) and Glicerio Catolico III (featherweight) to the sidelines of the tournament.

Overall, the Philippines won three bouts with Loberamis, Nietes and Tacuyan winning one bout each. Catolico and Palicte lost their debut.

Like Nietes, the power-punching Tacuyan fell behind early against Toda, 2-10, and not even a solid fourth round could save his bid.

Latipov and Toda entered the quarterfinals and a victory against their respective foes will assure them of the bronze medals.

The PLDT-Smart boxing team is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Pacific Heights.