Olympian Tañamor trains with visiting African boxers

MANILA, Philippines – Fresh from a two-week-long training program at the ALA gym in Cebu City, light-flyweight Harry Tanamor is now training with nine visiting African boxers at the Teacher"s Camp in Baguio City. African Olympic qualifiers Jafet Uutoni, Cassius Chiyanika, Jackson Chauke, Louis Richard Bruno Julie, Solonaina Razanadrakoto, Hastings Bwalya, Louis Richard Colin, Mejandjae Kasuto and Herry Salikkubibemarco are exchanging blows with Tanamor and members of the Philippine training pool as part of the international joint training program which started last Monday. Frenchman Karim Bouzidi is head of delegation while general manager is Fabricio Leclercq. Also with the group are Coordinator Adelmajid Bennegadi and trainers Jacob Gariseb, Joseph Claude Nagloo and Amadi Chergui. “This is the final phase of Harry’s preparation for the Beijing Olympics. The joint training program.organized by the ABAP, is a boost because Harry and our nationals will experience world-class boxing considering that the Africans will also compete in Beijing," said Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines president Manny T. Lopez. Lopez said the two-week training program is a must for Tañamor. “The coaching staff headed by Cuban Enrique Steyners Tissert believes that Harry needs to go this level," said Lopez. Tanamor failed to compete in the Halle Cup in Germany due to the failure of the Germany Embassy in Makati to issue a visa on time to the Smart-PLDT boxing team. Lopez stressed that the program, supported by Pacific Heights, Smart-PLDT and the Philippine Sports Commission, mirrors the cooperation and good relations between the ABAP and the African federation. “Africa is becoming a powerhouse in amateur boxing. We"re glad to exchange technology with them," said Lopez, who declined to comment on Tanamor"s gold-medal bid but said the battle-grizzled Army sergeant is in perfect condition. “Harry"s world-class and one of the feared names in his division. ABAP has done everything to give him the proper training and exposure. Let us pray and unite that he will succeed in Beijing," said Lopez, who noted that Tanamor won the gold in the star-studded 1st AIBA President"s Cup in Taipei this year after polishing his skills in Havana, Cuba for 45 days. Lopez also thanked ALA Gym owner and sportsman-businessman Tony Aldeguer for allowing Tanamor to train. “Mr. Aldeguer is truly a friend of ABAP eversince and I am grateful that he has allowed our nationals to use his gym" said Lopez, adding that the Cebu stint was part of the coaching staff"s strategy. – GMANews.TV