3 Pinoy pugs enter quarterfinals in Asian Youth

MANILA, Philippines — Lightfly Criz Russu Laurente scored an RSC (Referee Stopped Contest) win over Yhlas Gylychjanov of Turkmenistan in the final round to lead two other Filipinos in the quarterfinals of the Asian Youth Boxing Championships in Bangkok, Thailand last Sunday.

Laurente, from Gen. Santos City, stepped up his attack in the third round and the referee gave the Turkmeni three standing eight counts before waving off the fight in the 49kg division.

Elder brother Criztian Pitt also dominated his rival from Afghanistan, coming away with a unanimous decision over Hassibulah Ahmadiwith via 30-27 scores in three cards and 30-26 in two others. 

Leyteño Milenino Anduyan also blanked Jihoon Jung of Korea in the 52 kg flyweight category, peppering his opponent with crisp head punches and an aggressive final round charge.

The three see action today for cracks at the semis with Russu taking on Barun Shagolsem Singh of India, Anduyan facing Sam and Ar Kholmorudov of Uzbekistan and Pitt against Non Bang of Cambodia.

A total of 208 boxers from 32 countries are seeing action in the tournament which serves as the qualifying event for the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October. Team Phl is headed by coaches Pat Gaspi and Elias Recaido.