By Nick Giongco
The Philippines is dispatching its A-Team to the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Charly Suarez (MB Photo / Rio Deluvio)
Competitions in boxing won’t take place until Dec. 4 and the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) only got to complete its roster after a three-day tryout at its training center at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Earlier, ABAP had named lightweight Charly Suarez, middle Eumir Marcial and light-heavy John Marvin as the early qualifiers.
Marcial is the pack leader of the men’s squad since following his runnerup finish in the world championships.
Completing the cast are Carlo Paalam at light-fly, Rogen Ladon at fly, Ian Clark Bautista at bantam, James Palicte at light-welter and Marjon Pianar at welter.
The women’s side is led by world champion Nesthy Petecio at feather, who will be joined by light-fly Josie Gabuco, fly Irish Magno, bantam Aira Villegas and lightweight Riza Pasuit.
Thailand will be the biggest thorn for the host punchers as the two regional powerhouses renew their storied rivalry.
In the 2017 SEAG in Kuala Lumpur, Thailand racked up a gold-silver-bronze tally of 2-3-1 while the Philippines placed second overall with a 2-1-2. Indonesia and Malaysia won one gold each.
Source: Manila Bulletin
Xtra Sports ph 