Palicte bows to Uzbek in Olympic qualifier

MANILA, Philippines — James Palicte became the Philippines’ first casualty as he succumbed to Elnur Abduraimov of Uzbekistan via unanimous decision and kissed his Olympic hopes goodbye in the Asia Oceania boxing qualifier at the Prince Hamzeh Hall in Amman, Jordan Thursday night.

Palicte, a 30th Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, gave his best against Abduraimov but was beaten by the Uzbek in exchanges of big shots.

The Uzbek landed the more significant shots in snaring the win in their lightweight bout.

The heartbreaking defeat left six Filipinos standing, including World Women’s Championships gold medalist Nesthy Petecio, World Championships silver medalist Eumire Felix Marcial, Riza Pasuit and Ian Clark Bautista, who all hurdled their first-round matches.

Irish Magno and Carlo Paalam get the taste of action as they climb the ring today.

Palicte engaged Abduraimov in a heated slugfest in the first two rounds that was barely won by the latter.

Abduraimov had more reserve in the third round and landed the more accurate punches in snaring the triumph.

“We expect it be tougher each day. We just have to be ready,” said ABAP secretary-general Ed Picson.