PH youth boxers off to stumbling start in AIBA World tilt

MANILA, Philippines — The Filipino youth boxers were off to a stumbling start in the AIBA World Youth Championship, which drew at least 500 boxers from 90 nations, in Sofia in Bulgaria.

The 18-year old Dannel Maamo, a Cagayan De Oro native, dropped a split close decision, 29-28, 28-29, 27-30, to Zhan Zhermen Nshimirman of Ukraine in their men’s flyweight battle.

Presco Carcosia Jr., meanwhile, lost via unanimous decision, 30-26, 29-28, 30-27, to Romanian Cionabu Nicosur in the men’s bantamweight division.

Sammy Bernabe. Jr. of Cavite and Hipolito Banal Jr., younger brother of popular pro boxer AJ Banal, of Cebu drew byes in the competition.

The tournament is the sole qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games set from August 23 to 27 in Nanjing, China.