Magno takes over Aparri’s slot in SEAG boxing team

The Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (Abap) doesn’t see Alice Kate Aparri’s absence in the Burma (Myanmar) Southeast Asian Games as one less gold medal for the country.

“Not necessarily. In this sport, nobody’s sure of the gold,” said Abap executive director Ed Picson after it was reported that Aparri, a three-time SEA Games champion, got pregnant.

A native of Benguet, the 29-year-old Aparri topped the 51 kg class (flyweight) during the 2005 (Manila), 2009 (Laos) and 2011 (Indonesia) editions of the biennial meet.

According to Picson, light fly Irish Magno can move up in weight and fill the void left by Aparri.

“She’s (Magno) less experienced, but I’m sure she’ll go for it,” said Picson.

Aparri, who got married in April, is also a two-time bronze medalist in the Aiba Women’s World Championship in 2006 (India) and 2010 (Barbados).

“We felt good chances with Kate. She told me it’s going to be her last hurrah, then she got pregnant,” said Picson.