Crisano giving boxing a try

Don't look now, but there's a possibility that hulking cager Alex Crisano may suit up for the RP boxing team in the coming Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. After his initial reluctance to consider an offer by the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (Abap), Crisano was seen sweating it out at the newly-renovated Abap boxing gym inside Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“It’s not exactly a ‘No’ [answer to the Abap offer]," said the 6-foot-7 former Barako Bull enforcer. Abap sec-gen Patrick Gregorio announced last week that the association is eyeing Crisano to fill the vacant heavyweight spot in the national squad. Crisano used to box in Brooklyn gym when he was 17. “Bo Jackson played baseball and football," Crisano said, referring to the athlete who was the first to be named an “All-Star" in two major American sports. Jackson played running back for the Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League and left field and hitter for the Kansas City Royals, the Chicago White Sox and the California Angels of the American League in Major League Baseball. “I just wanna give it (boxing) a try. I’m enjoying it so far," Crisano added. Crisano on Tuesday reviewed his boxing fundamentals with 1992 Barcelona Olympics bronze medalist Roel Velasco and did three three-minute rounds of punch mitts and some shadow boxing. “Ok naman siya, maganda ang footwork at kung talagang gugustuhin niyang matuto at seseryesohin niya ang boxing, puwede siyang maihabol para sa Asian Games," said Velasco, who’s now part of Abap’s coaching staff. The boxing crew is among the athletes considered as potential gold mines for Team Philippines in the 16th Asian Games slated November 12-27 in Guangzhou, China. – GMANews.TV