ABAP bares national boxing team roster

MANILA, Philippines - The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippine (ABAP) on Monday bared the members the national team, after the end of the PLDT-Smart National Boxing Open in Iloilo City. ''This roster is going to shape the future of Philippine amateur boxing in the next few years,'' ABAP president Manny T. Lopez said. The selection was made by the coaching staff, which is headed by Dagoberto Rojas Scott, one of the two Cuban mentors handling the national team, after thorough deliberations during the yearly boxing competition. ''The national coaching staff headed by Scott also put into consideration the physical built, mental toughness, and the ages of the boxers particularly in the junior division,'' Lopez said. New faces in the women's team: • In the 46-kilogram division: Maricris Igan, Norlyn Amar, and Karina Recaido • In the 48-kg division: Maria Prayjie Baja • In the 50-kg division: Mary Joy Cacal and Irish Magno • In the 54-kg division: Redlyn Digmayo and Nesthy Pestacio Retained in the national women's team are veterans Josie Gabuco, Alice Kate Appari, Annie Albania, Annaliza Cruz, Jouviley Chilem, Mitchel Martinez, and Ronijen Sofla. The men's seniors team will be composed of veteran internationalists Harry Tañamor, Joan Tipon, Orlando Tacuyan Jr, Delfin Boholst, Adam Fiel, Junel Cantancio, Willy Lopez, Charly Suarez, Froilan Saludar, Rey Saludar, and Godfrey Castro. Added in the reserved list are Jher Chavez and Joegin Ladon (57 kgs) and Jose Rob Montero in the 51 kgs. Tañamor and other Filipino boxers are currently training in Cuba with Cuban mentor Enrique Steyners Tissert, and on returning, they will immediately go to the national training camp in Baguio City, according to Lopez. ''As you well know, we also have our eyes set on the 2010 Youth Olympics in Singapore and the 2012 London Olympics,'' Lopez said. ''With the guidance of our coaching staff under coaches Scott and Enrique Steyners Tissert, I am confident that our young boxers will blossom into top-notch fighters.'' Those in the juniors (15-17 years old) are Victorio Saludar Jr, Crisanto Godaren, Aston Palicte, Alton Grijalvo, Wilbert Loberamis, Dodie Boy Peñalosa, Jay-Ar Inson, Jherits Chavez, Glicerio Catolico Jr, Boy Vicera, Rolando Tacuyan, Roquelito Amonsot, Mark John Melligen, Gerson Nietes, Alfred Deano, and RJ Ano-os. - GMANews.TV