INQUIRER Sports

NO NEED TO DEFEND THE CHOICE of trainer Freddie Roach as part of the selection committee that will pick members of the Philippine national boxing team to the Laos Southeast Asian Games in December.

The move is as sharp as a classic Manny Pacquiao left hook.

Roach is expected at the Baguio People?s Park this weekend for the final boxoff among RP team aspirants.

Roach, needless to say, will be fetched and driven back to his quarters once he?s done with his vital chore.

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But in case there were those who felt the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (Abap) fumbled and, in the process, lost its way when it invited Roach to the selection panel, let it be stated that the move was both very timely and wise.

Why? With the revisions introduced to the scoring system in international amateur boxing competitions, drastic changes now focus on the need for power and precision, to name only two factors, for a boxer to progress and succeed.

An amateur competitor must be both competent and completely combative.

And no other trainer in the world today is better suited to assist the RP team than the legendary Mr. Roach himself.

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By the way, boxing scholar Hermie Rivera, mainly responsible for the world championship triumphs of Luisito Espinosa and Morris East, could?ve also been a hands-down choice for the selection panel.

Although still busy rushing a book on Manny Pacquiao in his lovely nest in Newark, Hermie has sent a few pointers for Freddie and other members of Team Pacquiao.

Try and share it:

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Here are the reasons why it?s Baguio over Toluca:

Baguio, City of the Pines, has three entry points that could serve the Pacman?s need for high altitude roadwork:

1) The Kennon road which the colonial Gringos built;

2) The Naguilian road and;

3) The Marcos Highway with its huge monument of Ferdinand Marcos serving as mute inspiration to Manny?s early-morning assault of its steepy climbs.

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Many people don?t know it but the late prexy (Marcos) was a bantamweight champion of the State University and a true boxing fan, too.

The weather is mildly cool and the natives friendly and pretty.

It?s one area where you?ll likely leave your heart once you step into its pine-clad locale.

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I know, I was born in lovely Baguio.

Caution coach Freddie Roach though on the city?s irresistible charms?else he?ll convert his civil status to an M&M?(married na maried)

This, after falling for Baguio?s pristine caress.

Officially it is the Summer Capital of the Republic.

Unofficially, it?s the year-round capital of dog meat aficionados.

The natives go blind relishing this pulutan delicacy?chased by bootleg gin or 960-proof Rum?Guaranteed!?

Burdick St., Newark

California 93560

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BOWLING FOR A CAUSE: From international matchmaker Jun Sarreal: Rotary District 3800, under District Gov. Rudy San Felipe with 85 clubs, will have its annual Ten Pin Bowling tournament hosted by the Rotary Club of Rizal Mideast starting Sunday, Oct. 11 at the SM Megamall Bowling Center on Edsa, Mandaluyong City. The series, which will run until Dec. 6, 2009 will involve 400 Rotarians, their spouses and their children who will help raise funds for victims of Tropical Storm ?Ondoy. For inquiries, please contact lawyer Honorato J. De Leon Jr. at tel. 8904301 or CP No. 0928 658 9082.