Gabuco's World slugfest gold draws P1M bonus

MANILA, Philippines - For her smashing victory in the AIBA World Women’s Boxing Championships in Qinhuangdao, China, Josie Gabuco wouild be given P1 million as bonus for her feat.

The 25-year-old boxer, bronze medalist in the same event in 2008 and winner of two gold medals in the SEA Games, will receive P1 million in cash incentive from Smart/PLDT.

Pato Gregorio, secretary-general of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, made the announcement in yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s along UN Avenue.

“We’re very happy with her victory so this is the good time to announce that ABAP-PLDT is giving her P1 million as a reward,” said Gregorio.

Gabuco bowed her head and smiled as Gregorio made the announcement.

“This will be a big help for my family. This will take care of the education of my son,” said the boxer who has a five-year-old son.

She’s been through some rough times on her way to victory. Before leaving for last year SEA Games in Indonesia, her mother died of cancer, and she went on to win the gold.

“I’m very happy now,” said Gabuco, who defeated a Chinese boxer in the finals of the 48-kg class, 10-9, following victories over foes from Venezuela, Mongolia, Canada, Russia and China.

“I’ve seen all the hard work Josie, our coaches and the other boxers put into this,” said Karina Picson, team manager of the Phl squad to Qinhuangdao.

Mitchell Martinez, a former bronze medalist in the World Championships, and Elias Recaido, a gold medalist in the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games, served as Gabuco’s coaches.

Gregorio said the coaches will get a cash bonus as well – 15 percent the equivalent of Gabuco’s reward.

Ed Picson, ABAP executive director, said Gabuco was so impressive in her recent stint that coaches from the other countries took notice of her.

“The coach from Great Britain came to me and said that our girl in the 48 kg ‘needs to be watched.’ The coach from India, a powerhouse in women’s boxing, was also impressed,” he said.

Gregorio said the trip to Qinhuangdao drew varied results with Gabuco winning the gold but Nesthy Petecio failing to qualify for the London Olympics.

In London, only three weight classes will be disputed in the women’s division – 51 kg, 60 kg and 75 kg.

“But it’s not the number of Olympic qualifiers,” said Gregorio, adding that’s good enough that there’s one – light-flyweight Mark Anthony Barriga will vie in London.

“All we need is one Manny Pacquiao, one Josie Gabuco and one solid Mark Anthony Barriga for us to rejoice. Let us not lose hope in London,” he said.