Irish mentor impressed by PH pugs, coaches

Boxing coach Kevin Smith (middle) impressed by Filipino amateur boxers.

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines executive director Ed Picson Monday said Irish coach Kevin Smith, who helped national coach Roel Velasco man the corner of light fly Mark Anthony Barriga in the London Olympics last August, has been tapped as consultant for the national team and nothing more.

“He’s not here to teach us but he’s here to observe, analyze and assess our training methods,” said Picson during the PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

“In fact, he himself told me the Philippines does not need a foreign coach and that he’s impressed with the knowledge and skills of our coaches,” he added.

“There’s a lot of talent for the international scene,” said Smith, who has been a national coach for several countries in the past.