The five upcoming bets are raring to show their potential and earn places in the national pool being reorganized by the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines after a forgettable stint in the Sydney Olympics.
"We’re ready to make our initial comeback," said ABAP president Manny Lopez. "And we deemed it proper to start with our youngsters."
Competing in the prestigious meet are Warlito Parrenas (48 kg), Vincent Palicpe (51 kg), Junard Ladon (57), Florencio Ferrer (60) and Maximino Tabangcora (71 kg).
Handling the squad is Ronald Chavez with World Championship silver medalist Roel Velasco as deputy.
Head of the delegation sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Adidas and Pacific Heights is Arsenic Lacson. Also with Team Philippines is referee/judge Mar de Guia. Lopez said participation in the tournament would give the youngsters, all standouts of the National Youth Open in Bago City in 1998, the exposure and experience needed in international competition.