MANILA — The Filipino boxers bound for 30th Southeast Asian Games captured four gold medals in two separate tournaments abroad, the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) announced on Sunday.
Former world champion and multiple SEA Games gold medalist Josie Gabuco bannered the Philippine campaign in the prestigious Indian Open in Guhahti, India after winning gold in the women’s light flyweight category while Eumir Felix Marcial also snatched another gold in the men’s middleweight division.
Light flyweight Carlo Paalam could only salvage a bronze as he suffered an ugly gash above his right eyebrow in his quarterfinal win and was not allowed to suit up for his semifinal match.
The team, which the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) sent as preparation for the SEA Games, is still in India for a two-week training camp.
The ABAP also sent another team in Shanghai, China to compete in the Belt & Road tournament.
Upcoming light flyweight Ramel Macado scored a scintillating 5-0 win in the finals Saturday while welterweight Joel Bacho also gained a gold as his Kazakh opponent was unable to suit up because of injury.
Marvin Tabamo settled for silver while Jeorge Edusma, Junmilardo Ogayre and Sugar Ray Ocaña came away with bronze.
ABAP president Ricky Vargas, who also heads the Philippine Olympic Committee, expressed appreciation to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for their full support for the boxers’ preparation for the SEA Games.
“Actually, PSC has been very helpful to all SEA Games-bound NSAs as we ramp up our efforts. And we have been getting encouraging news from various disciplines. This is a very positive development in our goal for a successful staging of the Games. I thank Chairman Butch Ramirez, the commissioners and the entire PSC,” Vargas said.
The Philippines will host for the fourth time the SEA Games from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 this year. (PR)
