PH boxers suffer setbacks in Asian boxing championships

MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipino boxers suffered defeats in the preliminaries in the 2013 Asian Elite Men’s Championship in Amman, Jordan, on Friday dealing the Philippine delegation there a major setback.

Bantamweight Mario Fernandez of Cagayan de Oro yielded to current Kazakhstan national champion Kairat Yeraliyev as all three judges scored closely in favor of the Kazakh, 29-28.

The 27-year-old Junel Cantancio, meanwhile, also ran into a brick wall against Ardee Sailom of Thailand, who used his power punches to sway all three judges.

Left to carry the Philippines in the tournament participated in by 27 Asian countries, are Asian Games gold medalist Rey Saludar who sees action Friday and last minute substitute Rogen Ladon.