Kudarat teen leads Pacman Cup q’fiers

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Reymar Brillo of Sultan Kudarat made sure Zaldy Ricopuerto of Malungon, Sarangani, was gone in 14 seconds during the Mindanao leg of the Philippine Sports Commission-Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup at Robinsons Place here.

Brillo, 18, viciously pummeled his 56-kg opponent with solid combinations to the head right from the opening bell,
forcing the referee to stop the carnage after Ricopuerto dropped to the canvas.

“My coach told me to knock him out immediately if I can,’’ said Brillo, who had already fought close to a hundred bouts.

Fighting in the ring since he was 9, Brillo has received offers to turn professional.

“I’ll think about it,’’ said Brillo. “My focus now is to train hard.”

He will move to the Mindanao quarterfinals with eight others in Kidapawan City in February next year.

Jimmy Cubay, Brillo’s coach, said his protege could fight in international meets.
One of Cubay’s wards, Carolyn Calungsod, is already with the women’s national squad.

“Reymar is brave and has the strength,” said Cubay.

The Philippine Sports Institute and Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines also backed the tournament.