ABAP's boxing program on the right track

ABAP's boxing program on the right track If the four-member Philippine amateur boxing team's triumphant stint in the 31st edition of the Tammer Cup in Finland can be held as a gauge, the program created by the Amateur Boxing Association (ABAP) seems to be on the right track, and just in time too for the 16th Asian Games. "Yes, it looks like we're on the right track as far as our talent identification and international exposure programs are concerned," said ABAP executive director Ed Picson. The RP boxers went home with four medals, with light flyweight Victorio Saludar and older brother Rey (flyweight) clinching the gold while featherweight Charly Suarez and light welterweight Delfin Boholts claimed a silver each. Aside from the gold medal, Victorio was also named "Best Fighter" of the tournament. The Philippines also had the most finalists among the 21 nations that competed in the Tammer Cup. Picson said ABAP's programs are geared towards the country's quest for its first Olympic gold medal. "Our boxers' performance showed their readiness in the coming Asian Games. Although we don't have the habit of predicting how they will perform, they are ready to do their share to bring honor to the country," said Picson. All four boxers, including coaches Ronald Chavez and Roel Velasco, a Barcelona Olympics bronze medalist, expressed hopes of surpassing the pair of gold medals won by the 2006 Doha, Qatar team. The four boxers, along with Guangzhou Asian Games team member Wilfredo Lopez and lone female entry Anie Albania, resumed their training in Baguio City. Lopez was supposed to join the RP boxers in the Tammer Cup but had to skip the Finland trip to recuperate from a hand injury he suffered while in training. Lopez has already recovered from the injury and expressed his readiness to compete in the Asiad set November 12 to 27. – KY/Jon Perez, GMANews.TV