Overall title boxers’ aim in Malaysia

Winning the overall crown will be the main objective of the country’s finest amateur boxers when they see action in the 21st Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur this September.

"That’s what we’re aiming for in Kuala Lumpur. Of course, it won’t be easy but we’re not sleeping on our jobs," said Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines president Manny Lopez yesterday.

Appearing before the weekly PSA Forum at the Holiday Inn, Lopez expressed optimism that the Filipino boxers, well-trained and highly-motivated, would do well in the biennial meet and regain the overall crown they last held in 1993.

During the forum, Lopez also bared the composition of the team to be made up of 11 boxers who will compete in the different divisions except for the heavyweight class.

They are Juanito Magliquian (45 kg), Harry Tanamor (48), Violito Payla (51), Arlan Lerio (54), Ramil Zambales (57), Larry Semillano (60), Romeo Brin (63.5), Reynaldo Galido (67), Junie Tizon (71), Maximino Tabangcora III (75) and Maraon Goles (81).

Named as alternates were Lhyven Salazar (48 kg), Rene Villaluz and Sonny Dollente (51), Ferdie Gamu and Rico Moreno (54), Roel Laguna (57), Joel Barriga and Anthony Igusquiza (60) and Mario Tizon (75).

Head coach is Gregorio Caliwan, who will be assisted by Nolito Velasco, Pat Gaspi and Glicerio Catolico. Former Manila Mayor and ABAP president Mel Lopez is expected to join the team in Malaysia.

Expected to carry the load for the team are Lerio, Semillano and Brin, all veterans of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The other Pinoy boxers who competed in Sydney, Danilo Lerio, will not see action in Kuala Lumpur after taking a break in boxing.

Lopez said winning five of the 12 gold medals to be disputed would be enough to carry the team to the overall crown. As part of their SEA Games buildup, the Filipino boxers saw action in seven international meets.

"We really hope to deliver the golds for the country. And these international stints will serve us in good stead," said Lopez, who sees Thailand as the biggest stumbling block to the Philippine campaign in the Malaysian capital.

The Philippines, which also won the overall crown during the 1991 Manila SEA Games, settled for two golds two years ago in Brunei courtesy of Magliquian and Brin.