ABAP unveils heavyweight

MANILA, Philippines — It’s not often that ABAP enlists a heavyweight but in the coming SEA Games, a rarity will trend as 6-5 former basketball player Markus Tongco battles in the 92kg division. ABAP head coach Pat Gaspi said yesterday Tongco will be the second Filipino heavyweight to fight in the SEA Games and the first in the 92kg class. At the 1989 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games, Gregorio Caliwan took the bronze in the heavyweight category at +81kg.

“Si late coach Caliwan surprise entry noon 1989,” said Gaspi who claimed a silver in the 71kg division that year. “Nagkataon dalawa lang entry (Malaysia and Indonesia) kaya napilitan lumaban at nanghinayang siya sa incentives. Coach ang papel ni Master Caliwan ng pumunta doon.” With only three entries, Caliwan was assured of a bronze and claimed it after losing to Malaysia’s Haji Harun Ismail on a second round referee-stopped-contest in the semis.

In Cambodia, there will also be only three entries in the 92kg class, including Tongco. The other boxers are from Thailand and the host nation. So Tongco is guaranteed a bronze. If he draws a bye and gains an automatic ticket to the final, a silver is assured. ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo said Tongco started training with the national pool only last month. “Cambodia requested us to bring a boxer in men’s 92kg to ensure the event will proceed,” said Manalo. “We didn’t bring him to Kazakhstan to not overwhelm him. It’s a long-term goal for Markus. No expectations from him in the SEA Games.” ABAP brought eight of the nine male boxers for a 10-day training in Kazakhstan last month and left Tongco behind with Australian coach Don Abnett at Teachers Camp in Baguio.

Tongco, 24, said he has learned a lot from Abnett and coaches Ronald Chavez, Mario Fernandez, Jerson Nietes and Elmer Pamisa. It will be his international debut and only his second official fight. Late last year, he saw action in a three-round bout in Claveria, Misamis Oriental and lost on points to an ex-pro who was 10 kilograms lighter. Now that he’s fighting in the SEA Games, Tongco said he’s both excited and nervous. In his Cagayan de Oro hometown, Tongco couldn’t find regular sparmates because of his weight and usually worked out with half-Australian James Gregory. At the ABAP camp, he sparred with 2019 SEA Games welterweight silver medalist Marjon Pianar and 80kg SEA Games contender John Marvin. The team of nine male and three female boxers will leave for Cambodia today.