By MARK REY MONTEJO
In its desire to extend the country’s winning tradition, the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) is fielding the proven winners in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games this September.
ABAP, led by president Marcus Manalo, is all set to field Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, and Aira Villegas in the annual event to assure the country of winning a medal or two in the event slated Sept. 19 to Oct. 4.
Aiming to surpass the lone silver medal produced Marcial during the 19th edition held in Hangzhou, China nearly three years ago, ABAP is doing everything within its power to assemble an elite squad.
“Samin kasi you have to be at a specific level before you get to compete in the Asian Games… Sinasabi ko sa mga coaches ‘yong Asian Games hindi ‘yan pwedeng pang-exposure,” said Manalo.
“You’re there to get to the podium, to win medals, kung developmental kapa hindi Asian Games ‘yong exposure, dapat ‘yong competition exposure ide-depende mo rin sa [competition level] ng athlete,” he added.
Manalo disclosed that there are only six assured fighters so far for the quadrennial meet but is likely to include professional Weljon Mindoro on it roster. Mindoro has a flawless record so far.
“Pero ‘yong Asian Games, gusto mo dun talaga ‘yong best of the best, nakakahiya naman sa Pilipinas… admittedly ‘yong iba kailangan pa talaga ng experience,” he continued.
“Meron naman tayo mga up-and-coming pero ‘yong Asian Games, it could be overwhelming rin din kasi for them, not all experience is good experience sa gantong leve,” he added.
According to Manalo, young guns will have their opportunity to hone their skills in an amateur tournament this August in Taipei.
A participant since the inaugural Asian Games in New Delhi, India, 75 years ago, the Philippines has won 56 boxing medals – 15 golds, 10 silvers, and 31 bronzes – to become the second-best medal producer behind swimming’s 95 (10-31-54) medals.
The 34-year-old Petecio, however, is still nursing an eye injury which resulted in her undergoing a surgery early this year. But still Manalo believes the Tokyo silver medalist has enough time to fully recover before the continental joust.
“May mga restrictions pa, pero she’s been preparing for the Asian Games, so, I think we’re going to get clearance naman kasi may several months pa naman,” Manalo said. “Magandang gauge din ‘yong training camp kasi limited pa ‘yong contact niya… hopefully pagdating ng training camp kaya niya nang makipag-sparring without restriction.”
In her previous interview, Petecio, a Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur native whose achievements include silver in Olympics alongside multiple medals in international competitions, stressed her eagerness to finally clinch a medal in the Asian Games.
