Neophyte Bornea makes it to World Youth Boxing semis

Bornea slugs it out with a tough Muradzhon Akhmadaliyev, Uzbekistan’s National Youth champion on Thursday.

MANILA, Philippines—In only his first international stint, Jade Bornea remained the last standing out of four Filipino entries in the ongoing AIBA World Youth Boxing Championships in Yerevan, Armenia.

Bornea scored a major upset over highly touted Jack Bateson of England in the quarterfinal round, 16-12, to advance.

Bornea banked on his quickness against the much taller Bateson, who has championships of the Commonwealth, British and English Boxing across his name.

Scores were 4-3 in the first round, 10-8 in the second before the 16-12 final count.

Ian Clark Bautista, the other PLDT-Abap boxer who made it to the quarterfinals, meanwhile, bowed to Irish lad Kurt Walker, 12-19 .

“We pulled off some surprises, the biggest one being Jade Bornea. And he’s not done yet,” said Abap [Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines] executive director Ed Picson.