SEA Games: Josie Gabuco shrugs off flu to add another gold to her resume

Josie Gabuco lands a punch straight to the face of Indonesia’s Endang during their boxing final in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. INQUIRER PHOTO/SHERWIN VARDELEON

MANILA, Philippines—Josie Gabuco dug deep to beat Indonesia’s Endang and claim her fifth Southeast Asian Games gold medal in the women’s boxing light flyweight final Monday at PICC Forum.

Despite nursing flu, Gabuco displayed her championship pedigree for the 5-0 unanimous decision, landing crucial overhand right hammers down Endang’s temple several times throughout the bout.

“I was just telling myself that I will do my best because I trained for this and even though I’m not 100 percent I will show what I can do,” said Gabuco in Filipino.

A 2012 World Champion, Gabuco continued to be aggressive throughout landing the stiffer shots in the third round.

“I had the flu since Dec. 3 and it was really hard that I even told my coaches but they believed in me that I can still do it,” said Gabuco.