By Joseph Pedrajas
Three Filipino boxers outclassed semifinals opponents Sunday to secure slots in the gold medal round of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the PICC Forum.
In this file photo, PH’s Rogen Ladon, right, faces off with Indonesia’s Aldoms Suguro during the 52kg men’s flyweight elimination in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at PICC Tent in Pasay, December 5, 2019. (Contributed photo)
Irish Magno overcame a height deficit to beat Thailand’s Jutamas Jitpong in the women’s 51-kg semis, while Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez dominated their men’s 52kg and 60kg bouts.
“Mas matangkad siya, pero yun nga kasi sinusunod ko po kasi sina coach. Sila nakakita kung ano pong gagawin ko sa kalaban ko,” Magno said. “Kaya kung ano pong sabihin nila, ung kailangang tumama ung mga suntok ko, ‘yun po ang ginagawa ko.”
Magno, aggressive and tireless, said she also found strength in the hometown crowd.
“Nakaka-boost po ng feeling, saka nakakawala po ng kaba,” she said.
Ladon took on Mohamed Hanurdeen Hamid of Singapore in men’s flyweight and scored a 30-27, 30-26, 30-25, 29-28, 30-27 victory.
“Nilaro ko lang yung laro niya,” said the 26-year-old boxer, who sought in vain to knock down his foe.
The 31-year-old Suarez, meanwhile, had his KD but settled for a unanimous decision against Vietnam’s Thanh Dat Vue, taking his foot off the medal toward the end.
“Sabi ng coach namin, wag magmadali kasi lamang naman. At least, mayroong knockdown na nangyari,” he said.
Magno, Ladon and Suarez joined three other Filipino boxers who advanced to the finals after seeing action Friday.
Carlo Paalam and Josie Gabuco won via unanimous decisions while Eumir Felix Marcial advanced via referee stoppage in the first round.
Source: Manila Bulletin
Xtra Sports ph 