PH pugs training with Aussies

FILIPINO boxers chasing tickets to the Olympics are now deep into intensive training in a joint camp with the Australian national team.

The Aussies who, like the Filipinos, will try their luck in the Asia Oceania Qualifier set March 23 to April 3 in Qia’nan County in China, arrived recently to train along with the PH boxers in the Philippine Sports Commission facilities in Baguio City.

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (Abap) executive director Ed Picson said the visitors will spar with local boxers as part of their two-week joint program.

“Yes there will be sparring involved. Hard to say how close we are [to qualifying in the Olympics] but our boxers are very competitive,” said Picson.

Picson said the Australian team is composed of nine males and three females under coach Kevin Smith.

Among them are Commonwealth Games medalists led by Shelley Watts (60 kg)  and Joe Goodall (91 kg)

After the joint camp, the Filipino boxers will continue training in the United States.

A qualifier is also set in Azerbaijan in June as well as the World Women’s Championships in April.

Only Mark Barriga made it to the London Olympics  four years ago.