3 Mandaue pugs assured of medals in ABAP event

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City is already assured of at least a silver and two bronze medals in the 2010 National Youth Amateur Boxing Championships in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Among those who kept Mandaue’s gold medal hunt in motion were 26 kgs. Richard Rama, 28 kgs. Rommel Tuñacao and 30 kgs. Rheson Tarona.

 “Of the three boxers left, Tarona has the biggest chance of winning a gold. He showed no fear and just fight,” said Mandaue City head coach Peter Cuizon of the famed ALA Boxing Gym.

All four Mandaue pugilists are first timers in a national competition. Their promising performances in the Mayor Jonas Cortes Amateur Boxing Series the past few months got them a ticket to Palawan.

Tarona advanced into the semifinal round after a convincing 12-7 victory over John Zedric Borce of Puerto Princesa Team A. He vies for a slot into the gold medal round as he takes on a fighter from Baguio City today.

Jeffrey Stella was not as lucky though as he was booted out by Misamis Oriental’s Robert Miguel Jalnaiz in lopsided fashion, 4-12, in their 32 kgs. duel.   (FREEMAN NEWS)