Dubai: Possible destination too for national boxers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine boxing team headed by Tokyo-bound Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno, Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam has yet to decide whether or not it will vie in the Asian Elite Men and Women Championships that was moved from New Delhi, India to Dubai.

The organizing Asian Boxing Confederation (ABC) announced the transfer of the event slated May 21 to June 1 last Tuesday, according to Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) secretary-general Ed Picson.

The decision to relocate was due to the alarming spike of new COVID-19 cases in the Indian capital.

ABAP president Ricky Vargas has instructed Picson to study the plausibility of participation in the tournament considering all the possible restrictions or quarantine procedures and work in rebooking the plane tickets and accommodation for the entire team.

“We will make that determination in a few days,” said Picson.

Marcial, who is currently in the country, is expected to join Magno, Petecio, Paalam and the rest of the Nationals who are all in Muaklek, Thailand training for more than a month now.

“Kasama din naman sya sa lineup sa India, so isasama din naman siya, if ever,” said Picson of Marcial, who turned pro last year.

Even before the ABC decision came, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) had turned down ABAP’s funding request for the trip to New Delhi due to health reasons.

But with Dubai, where COVID-19 cases are lesser compared to New Delhi, the PSC may give the green light to ABAP as it prepares for the Tokyo Olympics in July.