BAKU, Azerbaijan—The Philippine campaign blew hot and cold in the AIBA World Boxing Championships here last week.
After three electrifying wins by Mark Anthony Barriga, Rey Saludar and Joan Tipon, a series of setbacks followed the promising start.
Delfin Boholst fell Thursday, Rolando Tacuyan lost Friday, then Charly Suarez joined them in the sidelines Saturday with an incredible 13-11loss to Ecuadorian Luiz Porozo.
Porozo went down in round one after what Suarez later said was a cracking right straight to the chin which the referee ruled as a slip. To top it all, the Ecuadorian was given the round by the judges, 4-3.
Suarez then wobbled his opponent’s knees a couple of times but was only awarded one point more than Porozo to even the count, 8-8.
The five judges at ringside gave Porozo the win, 13-11.
Delegation head and Abap executive director Ed Picson said the Filipinos can do nothing but accept the verdict.
“We really felt Charly did more than enough to win it,” said Picson. “But we have to respect the decision. We need to concentrate on the remaining task at hand.”
The three surviving Filipinos resume their chase of slots for the Olympics next year, needing just two more wins to reach the tournament proper in London.
Saludar swings back into action against Safoviddin Yusufi of Tajikistan Sunday while Barriga and Tipon will take on Patrick Barnes of Ireland and Zhang Jiawei of China, respectively on Monday.
Picson said Abap chair Manuel V. Pangilinan personally called to cheer up the boxers and assure them of his full support.
“Do not ever lose hope. Try harder, be more focused and bring honor to your country and your families,” Picson said quoting Pangilinan.
Last Friday, Tacuyan, 20, was a dynamo on offense but showed poor defense in his 64-kg light welter match against Mehdi Toloutibandpi of Iran, dropping a 16-24 decision.