RP pugs urged to emulate Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines - Boxing president Ricky Vargas has urged four of the Asian Games-bound fighters to emulate the discipline and the work ethic of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as they set out for their mission in Guangzhou next month.

“The one with seven world championships continues to train. And why would Manny Pacquiao train so hard for this fight (against Mexican Antonio Margarito) when this will not give him additional prestige that he already has?” said Vargas.

He was trying to drive home a point to the four boxers who paid the ABAP (Amateur Boxing Association of the Phils.) official a courtesy call at his Maynilad Water Services Inc. office in Quezon City recently.

“Pacquiao has a different principle in life. He said he continues to fight to be able to help more people when he wins,” said Vargas.

“We should all do the same,” he added.

Back after the PLDT-ABAP team’s 4-of-4 finals appearance at the 31st Tammer Cup in Tampere, Finland, Rey and Victorio Saludar, who each won gold medals, and silver medalists Charly Suarez and Delfin Boholst will join Wilfredo Lopez and top woman boxer Annie Albania in spearheading Team Philippines’ participation in the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China next month.

“You got to keep in shape, stay strong inside and physically,” said Vargas. “I hope you peak at the right time. Work together. Find strength in each other. At the end of the day, you will be known as a team of individuals performing out there.”

Vargas distributed cash incentives courtesy of ABAP chairman and corporate magnate Manny Pangilinan – P30,000 each for the gold medalists and P20,000 for the silver medal winners.

“But in the Asian Games, a gold is P3 million, silver is P1 million, and the bronze is worth P500,000,” Vargas said.

Pangilinan has pledged a whopping P12 million for a boxing gold medal in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The boxers were accompanied by ABAP secretary-general Patrick Gregorio and executive director Ed Picson, the head of delegation in the Tammer Cup.

“Don’t miss the chance and opportunity. Minsan lang ‘yan. Expectations are high because of what you’ve achieved in Finland so you have to work harder.”