Tough ring opponents for Igam, Magno

NAYPYITAW—Maricris Igam and Irish Magno make their Southeast Asian Games debuts against two Thai champions Wednesday even as Josie Gabuco guns for a shot at the gold in her first foray in the light flyweight class of the women’s boxing competition here.

Still unbeaten in the competition, the Philippine boxing team finally gets a stern test when flyweight Igam steps into the ring against reigning champion Sopida Satumrum in the semifinals starting at 2 p.m. at Wunna Theikdi Stadium.

A power puncher from Iloilo, Magno also has a tough task in her first SEA Games match against Peamwilai Laopeam, who ruled the bantamweight class at the expense of Filipino Nesthy Petecio in Palembang two years ago.

Both Igam and Magno only have one international tournament each under their belts, winning gold in their respective classes in the Taipei City Cup last year. In fact, Igam was adjudged the best female boxer of the tournament.

As part of their buildup, the two fighters spent a month training in Baguio together with Vietnamese and Sri Lankan boxers.

“It will be difficult for Maricris and Irish because they’re facing veterans and they really have to be at their best (to beat them),” said boxing association executive director Ed Picson.

Gabuco bagged the pinweight gold in 2011, but was forced to move up to a heavier division to replace the pregnant Alice Kate Aparri, the light fly champ in Palembang.

A victory over Sogka Chanthavongsa of Laos will send Gabuco to the finals just like Petecio in the featherweight class.