Rey Saludar of Philippines, left, watches as Chang Yong of China, right, falls out of the ring during their men's 52-kilogram boxing final bout at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. AP Photo, Wong Maye-E
MANILA—Don’t lose hope.
This was the message of Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia after the country’s top boxing prospects failed to survive the world qualifying for the London Olympics in Azerbaijan this week.
“I was sad about the results for I am sure they tried their best,” said Garcia after the last two PH bets, Rey Saludar and Mark Anthony Barriga, fell to their vaunted foes last Tuesday in Baku.
Garcia admitted that it is going to be a lot harder when they take another crack at the Olympics through the Asian qualifying.
“Since they did not qualify, they will have to try again next year,” he said. “It will be harder but we have to give it another try.”
Olympics and Asian Games champion Zhou Shiming of China ended the 18-year-old Barriga’s aspirations with a 12-5 beating. American Rau’shee Warren, who is also an Olympic and world titlist, frustrated Saludar, 22-12.
For making it to the round of 16, Barriga and Saludar can still make it through the back door if their tormentors make it to the finals in their respective divisions.
Also falling by the wayside in the tough world qualifying were Delfin Boholst, Charly Suarez, Rolando Tacuyan and Joan Tipon.