6-nation MVP Cup slugfest under way

MANILA, Philippines - The first MVP Cup International Boxing Friendship Games unwraps today with a total of 39 fighters from six nations slugging it out in various weight divisions at the Philippine International Convention Center Forum Tent.

The Macau and Sri Lanka bets were the first to arrive from among the foreign entries although focus will be on the 10-man Thailand delegation tipped to crowd the local fighters for top honors.

Gold medals in seven weight categories in the men’s division and five in the women’s side are at stake, with $1,000, courtesy of Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines chairman and corporate tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, awaiting each gold medal winner, according to ABAP executive director Ed Picson.

Furious action is expected in the following categories: 48kgs., 51kgs.,54kgs., 57kgs., 60kgs., 64kgs., and 69kgs. for men, and 46kgs., 58kgs., 51kgs., 54kgs., and 57kgs. for women.

Bannering the charge of the host country are Charly Suarez, Jherjigs Chavez, Victorio Saludar, Bill Vicera, Rey Saludar, Gerson Nietes, Glicerio Catolico III, Recky Dulay, Joergin Ladon, Jameboy Vicera, Jimmy Vallares, Rolando Tacuyan, Delfin Boholst, Wilfredo Lopez, Josie Gabuco, Alice Kate Aparri, Annie Albania, Nesthy Petecio and Noeme Tacda.

The preliminary bouts start on Thursday after the arrival of foreign boxing officials, referees and judges.

Admission is free with buses to ferry spectators from the Rizal Memorial Coliseum to the venue at the CCP complex.

Richard Zhang, the Taiwanese president of the Asian Amateur Boxing Confederation, will grace the opening ceremonies of the weeklong competition supported by the Philippine Sports Commission chaired by Harry Angping.

Each of the three rounds will be three minutes in duration with 60 seconds rest between rounds for men, and four rounds of two minutes each with 60 seconds rest for women.

Thailand, handled by veteran Cuban ring tactician Malaga, entered 10 boxers, led by 2004 Athens Olympian Worapoj Petchikoom and Asian Indoor Games campaigner Sopida Satumram.

Petchkoom competes in the 57 kilograms and Satumram, who has an old grudge to settle with Annie Albania, having lost to the Filipino in the finals in the Asian Indoor Games in Hanoi, Vietnam last year, sees action in the 51 kgs.

The other Thai boxers are Amnaj Ruenroeng, Donchai Thati, Apichat Kulsri, Oatchariya Haewsuno, Apichet Saensit, Dueannapha Ngalam, Peamwilai Laopeam, and Rewadee Damsri.

Other countries seeing action are China, Chinese-Taipei and Hong Kong.

China sent three male and one female boxers, Chinese Taipei seven (four men and three female), Sri Lanka nine (five men and four women), Hong Kong four (four male), and Macua five (three male and two female).

The tournament is part of the preparation for the selection of the team set to compete in the Asian Games in November in Guangzhou.