Tokyo Olympics boxing silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, along with other members of the national boxing squad, will resume training in Baguio in preparation for the 2022 Asian Games in China.
The Philippine Sports Commission reported that Philippine Boxing Team Secretary General Ed Picson claimed some members of the national squad are already at Teachers Camp and are waiting for the official start of the training bubble.
This as the PSC has set a limit on the number of boxers who will join the training bubble in Baguio due to the pandemic restrictions. The police training center within Teacher’s Camp remains closed for any activity following the clustering of cases among trainees in the past.
The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines has submitted names of 19 males and 10 females, including nine coaches in the training bubble for approval by PSC.
Other male boxers in the list are Mark Lester Durens, Flint Jara, Rogen Ladon, Ian Clark Bautista, Marvin Tabamo, Mario Fernandez, Junmilardo Ogayre, Jere Samuel dela Cruz, James Palicte, John Paul Panuayan, Norlan Petecio, Vincent Siodia, Marjon Puanaar, Billy Naelgas, Ernie John Garcia, and John Nobel Marvin.
Also in the female list are Josie Gabuco, Cleo Tesara, Irish Magno, Mary IC Sinadjian, Aira Villegas, Khrystal Malecdan, Darlene Literal, and Riza Pasuit.
The coaches’ list includes Ronald Chavez, Roel Velasco, Elmer Pamisa, Romeo Brin, and Gerson Nietes for the men’s team; and Mitchel Martinez, Reynaldo Velasco, and Nolito Velasco for the women’s team.
Head coach Pat Gaspi and Australian consultant Don Abnett will oversee the training bubble program.
Once the training started, ABAP will hold tryouts for the female boxers to determine who will represent the country in the International Boxing Association Women’s World Boxing Championships in Istanbul, Turkey in December. – Harley F. Palangchao
