PH boxing bracing for tough climb to SEA Games gold

FILE – Eumir Felix Marcial of the Philippines (Blue) competes against Pathomsak Kuttiya of Thailand (Red) in the finals of the men’s middleweight class of the 29th Southeast Asian Games boxing competition. Marcial prevailed to claim the gold medal. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SEA GAMES POOL

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines has been a consistent force in boxing in Southeast Asia but other neighboring countries are not far behind as far as the level of competition is concerned.

Ed Picson, secretary-general of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap), expects a steep gold medal climb for the country’s bets in the coming Southeast Asian Games as they face beefed-up opposition.
Picson, though, remains upbeat about the contingent’s chances.

“I don’t do medal projections as there are too many variables that we have to consider. But I can say that our boxers are in excellent shape,” said Picson, adding the officiating, conditioning and the draw are potential major factors in
their golden bid.

“But it’s going to be tough. It’s no longer just Thailand that will come up with a good fight. We have information that other countries are also coming in strong as they are now using foreign exposure and coaches while upgrading their technology to boost their chances.”

Eumir Felix Marcial together with Carlo Paalam, Rogen Ladon, Charly Suarez, James Palicte, Marjon Piañar, Bautista and John Tupas-Marvin will head the country’s drive. Meanwhile, newly-crowned world champion Nesthy Petecio will spearhead the women’s squad together with Gabuco, Irish Magno, Aira Villegas and Risa Pasuit.

Marcial and Tupas-Marvin delivered gold medals in the previous biennial meet in Kuala Lumpur in 2017.

Boxing competitions begin on Dec. 3 at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City