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A modest goal of three to four gold medals is what the Philippine boxing team is aiming for in the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Vientiane, Laos. The figures, according to Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) vice-president Manny Lopez, are realistic enough considering the 10-man squad is still filled with veterans such as two-time Olympian Harry Tañamor, Asian Games gold medalist Joan Tipon, former Asian champion Mitchel Martinez and 3rd Asian Indoor Games gold medal winner Annie Albania.
"Masaya na kami kung maka tatlo o apat na gold medals," said Lopez, formerly ABAP president and current Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) vice-president. "Bonus na sa amin kung makalagpas pa roon." To be held at the Olympasia gymanisum of the National University, boxing competitions won’t start until Friday. Region powerhouse Thailand remains the only team that stands in the way of the Filipino boxers’ bid to regain lost glory in the aftermath of the protest they did in the 2007 SEA Games finals in Nakhon Ratchasima. Citing bias judging and officiating, the Filipino boxers refused to engage their Thai opponents during the gold medal matches, resulting to a one gold medal win for the country courtesy of Albania, a winner by knockout over Hansa Kadeewong of the host nation. Lopez said, no such controversies won’t be happening this time in Laos.
"Myself and Gen. Taweep Jantararoj had a serious talk during the last Asian Indoor Games and we both committed to contract a safe conduct of the tournament in the SEA Games," Lopez said. The ABAP official added he’ll also be attending the technical committee meeting Wednesday to iron out any kinks – if ever there is – as far as officiating is concerned. Also part of the boxing team are Alice Kate Aparri, Josie Gabuco, Joegin Ladon, Bill Vicera, Rey Saludar and Charly Suarez. Lopez also said that the gold medal in the men 75 kg class during the 24th edition of the biennial meet was formally awarded to the Philippines by the SEA Games Federation Council. Recipient of the gold is Filipino Junie Tizon since Thai winner Suriya Prasathinphimaj tested positive for illegal substances. – GMANews.TV
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