Boxers will make us proud

Suarez looms as the underdog in his opening fight, but it should not come as a surprise if the 27-year-old veteran internationalist from Panabo City beats or, for that matter, drops or stops Joe Condina of Great Britain, the reigning European lightweight champion.

Last week, the Associated Press wrote off Suarez, together with light flyweight Rogen Ladon, from the list of potential Olympic medalists.

But Ed Picson, executive director of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, hit it right when he said that Suarez and Ladon have all the right in the world to proudly represent the Philippines in the Rio Olympics.

* * *

The fighting Pinoy duo had had their share of tough, rigorous trials on the long road to Rio.

Suarez, at 5-foot-7, is two inches shorter than Joe Condina, 24, from Cardiff, Wales, winner of the lightweight gold in last year’s European boxing championships.

Based on pre-Olympic feeds, Suarez, 27, would do well to exert pressure early, land his tested power shots, but take extra caution against the sharp, switch-hitting, long-armed talent from Wales.

* * *

This does not mean Suarez, who started fighting as a featherweight, should turn the fight into a brawl. But being shorter and smaller, he should rely more on his power punches, box at close range, if he hopes to go ahead early and prevail.

Condina could only be expected to stay out and drive for a more technical thinking bout.

Suarez, for one, has no record of being floored, or losing by stoppage.

On the other hand, Condina, as noted by veteran boxing writer Ryan Songalia, had been decked a few times; and was, in fact, stopped by a Canadian foe in one round in May 2014.

* * *

Both Suarez and Condina are seeing action in their first Olympics; but Suarez, who had also figured in several pro bouts sponsored by the International Boxing Association, could enjoy an edge in experience as he has been in many more trying and brutal fights than his younger European foe.

Suarez was tabbed as an underdog, based on the rankings by the Aiba, which placed him six rungs lower than 8th ranked Condina. On the whole though, they could start out pretty even based on their respective experience, prowess, build, background and training.

Meanwhile, light flyweight Rogen Ladon of Bago City drew a bye in the first round. He will have his first fight against the winner of the bout between unranked competitors from Brazil and Colombia.

* * *

Ladon is said to be ranked among the top five in his division, and should be more comfortable there being a natural light fly (49 kg).

If he succeeds today, Suarez would have no choice but clash against bigger, tougher foes along the way. Suarez, at 5-foot-7, is more of a sawed-off lightweight.

Director Picson had wished they could have qualified more boxers in Rio; but the observation was right which says opponents of both Suarez and Ladon could be swearing for having drawn opponents from the proud boxing land of Manny Pacquiao.