MANILA, Philippines – Three more Filipino fighters advanced to the semifinals of the 21st President’s Cup at the Senayan Indoor Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, bringing to six the number of Filipino boxers assured of bronze medals.
World Championship bronze medalist Josie Gabuco used her dazzling speed to pepper Vietnamese Nguyen Thai Yen, 21-5, during their light flyweight bout. Gabuco will face Indonesia’s lone female survivor Selly Wanimbo next.
Multi-titled lightweight Charly Suarez, used solid defense and powerful combinations to overcome hometown boy Ralin Lumoli, 18-11.
In the bouts held in the evening session, female flyweight Analisa Cruz provided what delegation head and ABAP executive director Ed Picson described as “the role of sweeper” as she crushed home bet Nurmala Deli, 24-6, to complete the PH sweep for the day.
The three joined giant-killer, Ian Clark Bautista, Nesthy Petecio and Nathaniel Montealto in the semifinals.
“Of course we’re happy that six of our boxers have assured themselves of bronze medals,” Picson told the Inquirer via e-mail. “But our previous matches here were skirmishes. We now go to battle and this is where we need to be at our best.
“Although our main objective here was to gauge our strengths and weaknesses, the opportunity has presented itself. It’s going to be tough, but we’ll go for it every time.”