Abap eyes Havana or California training camps

CONSIDERED as the brightest hope for an Olympic medal, the Philippine boxing team plans to set up a camp either in Cuba or the United States for its final push to secure qualifying spots in this year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Ed Picson, executive director of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap), said the numerous gyms in the two countries would give Filipino boxers enough time to train far from the prying eyes of their rivals in the qualifying Olympic tournaments.

“We can train and get lost in these countries to prevent being scouted,” said Picson. “We did this before in 2010.’’

Picson said they’re looking at several boxing gyms in Los Angeles and San Francisco as well as in Havana, Cuba, as potential training grounds.

So far, no Filipino boxer has punched a ticket to Rio with Eumir Felix Marcial, Roger Ladon, Charly Suarez and London Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga among the top candidates.

Also being considered to clinch an Olympic berth are Ian Clark Bautista, Mario Fernandez and women boxers Nesthy Petecio, Irish Magno and former world champion Josie Gabuco.

“Our coaches are confident of sending many boxers to Rio. But it would only happen if they focus and feel the urgency of our campaign,” said Picson.

He added that the camp will be held a month before the Asia Oceania qualifier in China for men and women in March.

Other qualifying meets are the Aiba World Women Championships and the joint Aiba Pro Boxing/World Series Boxing in May, and the final Aiba Open boxing in June in Azerbaijan.