FILE – New ABAP president Ed Picson. PSA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Ed Picson was elected the new president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) on Thursday.
Picson, who had served as long-time executive director and secretary-general of the sports association, is succeeding outgoing president Ricky Vargas who assumes the ABAP chairmanship.
“I am honored to turn the baton over to Ed as my successor,” said Vargas, who nominated Picson to take over his position.
“He is the most qualified and deserving for the position. Ed is a principled and honest man who believes in good governance, cares very much for our boxers and is hands on. I am confident he will bring ABAP to the next level.”
Under Vargas’ leadership, boxing produced three medals–two silvers and a lone bronze–in the recent Tokyo Olympics in the country’s most successful campaign yet in the Summer Games.
Deputy Speaker Robbie Puno a former Congressman Raul Daza were also elected as s vice president and vice chairman, respestively.
“I am humbled by the trust and confidence reposed in me,” said Picson, a veteran sportscaster and columnist, in a press release.
“The results in the last Olympics, where Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam won silvers and Eumir Marcial got bronze, will be a tough act to follow. But our boxers, coaches and support staff assure me they are all up to the task. We vow not to let the country down.”
Picson will be tasked to appoint successors for the secretary-general and treasurer posts.