By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) is eyeing training camps in England and Uzbekistan as part of the national team’s buildup for major international tournaments later this year.
ABAP secretary general Marcus Manalo said a multi-nation training camp in Sheffield, England is already being arranged for the squad ahead of the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, scheduled from Sept. 4 to 14.
The team is expected to spend two weeks training with other elite squads, gaining exposure to different styles and strategies.
In addition, a separate training camp is being finalized for the national boxers who will compete in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.
Manalo revealed that discussions are ongoing with his counterpart in Uzbekistan to firm up details of the camp, which will serve as the team’s final preparation phase ahead of the SEA Games set for Dec. 9 to 20.
“Matagal ko nang ina-arrange itong training camp na to sa Uzbekistan kasi ang hirap nilang talunin eh,” said Manalo.
“Sila yung laging tumatalo satin. So ang idea ko, eh sanayin na natin yung sarili natin sa style nila, sa training environment kasi most likely, marami tayong mapupulot don,” he added.
The SEA Games will pose another tough challenge, especially with host country Thailand — a long-time rival — expected to field a strong team.
“The pressure is always there naman everytime we compete. Maganda nga yun kasi kung walang pressure, ibig sabihin they’re no longer feeling competitive,” Manalo said.
“That’s something that we respond to naman. Siyempre mas mahirap ngayon with Thailand hosting. Iba din yung dala ng crowd, and usually sila yung nakakalaban natin sa finals, but our boxers are up for it,” he added.
At the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, Thailand dominated the boxing competition with nine golds, two silvers, and one bronze, while the PH team secured four golds, five silvers, and one bronze.
