Team Philippines started strongly in the 21st President’s Cup boxing tournament on Sunday with three of its boxers notching victories at the Senayan Indoor Stadium in Jakarta.
Josie Gabuco, the 2008 World Championship bronze medalist, led the Filipinos’ assault by completely dominating Nepalese Maura Cahaudury, 21-0, in their light flyweight (48 kg) tussle.
Analisa Cruz and Clark Bautista followed suit by dumping their respective opponents.
Cruz, coming off a bronze medal finish in the China Open held in Guiyang last May, trounced local bet Beatrix Sugoro, 17-10, in the 51-kg category.
The 16-year-old Bautista, a prized find from Bacolod, showed his mettle in his first international stint by besting Myanmar’s Htet Aung, 16-8, in the light flyweight division.
Despite the opening-day sweep by the PLDT-backed boxers, Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines executive director and delegation head Ed Picson was guarded in assessing their chances.
The favored teams in the event that drew participants from 28 countries are China, Russia, India, Mongolia and Kazakhstan.
Thailand, the perennial rival of the Philippines in Southeast Asia, was a no-show after the AIBA (International Boxing Association) suspended the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand last week.
Completing the PH Team are Charly Suarez (60 kg), Edilio Abrea (52 kg), Nico Magliquian (56 kg), Nathaniel Montealto (64 kg), Fil-Am Mico Brina (69 kg) and 2010 World Championships quarterfinalist Nesthy Petecio on the distaff side.