INQUIRER Sports

PUERTO PRINCESA?A sensational knockout, the most applauded of the evening, was scored by the good-looking Robert Paradero of Bukidnon on the first day of the National Youth boxing championships here last Monday.

Unknown to many, another big knockout was scored right there at ringside of the City Coliseum.

It was no ordinary KO.

It was both secret and sweet, with the victim ending up endlessly delighted.

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The victim?s name: Ricky Vargas, president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP).

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Vargas swore he was stunned cold by what he witnessed from tiny, young boxers in the lighter weight categories.

The kids were a knockout and the ABAP chief swore they would double efforts to sustain the youth boxing development program that has initially resulted in an inspiring display of world-class skills and competence from tiny, youthful aspirants.

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Vargas said he could not believe what he was seeing when he first witnessed the bouts in the vacuum and ant divisions, among kids aged 11 to 14, during the meet opening.

In a conference with ABAP officials and regional heads earlier Monday, Vargas offered an initial outlay of P100,000 for each region, provided they submit a feasible development plan.

But after his inspiring experience at ringside last Monday, Vargas said they were ready to pour as much as needed to sustain the new development program.

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Vargas said what he experienced was a complete contrast from what he saw in last year?s National Open boxfest in Bacolod, where most of the young aspirants appeared like mindless swimmers who never failed to slam wildly inside the ring.

?It was a phenomenal leap, super,? Vargas remarked. ?Tiny and young, they appeared like they could go fight for Olympic slots already with their high-level skills.?

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Of course, these were all a result of renewed and sincere dedication, said Gov. Oscar Moreno of Misamis Oriental, a staunch backer of the new thrust in Philippine amateur boxing.

Moreno, noted lover and supporter of sports, thanked the new ABAP leadership for the phenomenal renewal in the national amateur boxing backyard that used to be mired in mediocrity.

?Even the judging and officiating have improved tremendously,? confirmed Olympian Roberto Jalnaiz, head coach of Moreno?s Misamis Oriental team, in the vernacular.

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Actually, Vargas left this gleaming capital ?in a forest? on Tuesday nursing another amazement.

?Mayor Edward Hagedorn is truly terrific,? Vargas said after the boxfest dinner hosted by the city government at the world-class Asturias Hotel on Monday.

Vargas continued to wonder where the multi-awarded Hagedorn has been drawing all the heroic energy that helped transform Puerto Princesa into ?one of the wonders of the world? itself.