DAVAO CITY — John Ignatius Macas handed the Philippines its lone gold medal in the boxing competition of the 2019 Arafura Games at Darwin Convention Center in Darwin, Australia.
The 19-year-old Macas from Cagayan de Oro City defeated Ivan Pavich of New Zealand via referee stop contest in the second round of the men’s 52-kilogram championship fight on Saturday.
Jhon Christian Noces, meanwhile, lost to Tom Hanns of New Zealand but the Davao City fighter still pocketed bronze medal for reaching the final four of the men’s boxing welterweight (63kg) division.
The Philippines has so far won 31 gold medals with the men’s basketball, sepak takraw and badminton teams still playing as of Saturday, final day of the multi-sports competition.
The men’s beach volleyball team defeated Australia, 21-10, 21-12, on Saturday to win bronze medal.
Over 1,500 athletes from 40 countries in the Asia Pacific participated in the 2019 Arafura Games.
The Philippines sent 120 athletes and coaches supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Standard Insurance. (PNA)
