Government urged to open Philippine Boxing Academy

A party list lawmaker wants to open a Philippine Boxing Academy (PBA) to produce world-class Filipino sluggers. Through House Bill No. 10247, Talino at Galing ng Pinoy (TGP) party list Rep. Jose Teves Jr. hopes aspiring boxers will be provided with professional coaching and scientific training programs.

“Through the years, the Philippines has produced numerous world-class icons and champions in the field of professional and amateur boxing. This made our country famous in the international stage for producing top-notch boxers,” he said.

HB 10247 provides for the creation of the PBA, which will identify and recruit potential boxers to be trained for professional and amateur boxing competitions locally and internationally.

It will also select the country’s representatives to international and regional boxing competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games and Olympics.

The academy, which will be under the supervision and control of the Games and Amusement Board, will likewise come up with scientific training methods and proper health and nutrition programs for boxing recruits as well as assist in the needs of sluggers competing abroad.

Among the Filipino boxers that have excelled in international competitions are former Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Gerry Peñalosa, Rolando Navarette, Luisito Espinosa, as well as amateur boxers and Olympic medalists Mansueto Velasco, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial. —Jeannette I. Andrade