Tanamor and Payla, who made it into the elite Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines’ Team A pool last December, proved their worth with masterful victories in the 48 and 51 kilograms finals, respectively, at the packed Olympic Sports Center.
Tanamor neutralized the punching power of Abdulkadir Kochak of Turkey for a 26-9 win. Payla piled up points after points against shifty counter-puncher Murahashi Kaori of Japan and never let up until the fourth and final round for a convincing 26-13 score.
Both only 23 and privates in the Army’s special service unit, Tanamor and Payla also put the team, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Pacific Heights, Revicon, and Adidas, in contention for the overall championship of this 27-nation slugfest. As of presstime, Azerbaijan’s No. 1 team is fighting in five finals followed by its No. 2 team and Turkey with three, Uzbekistan, Egypt and Pakistan with two.
"Gusto ko sanang pabagsakin pero magaling din umiwas. Alam ko nasasaktan siya sa mga suntok ko pero hindi ako nagkumpiyansa. Salamat sa ABAP President sa ibinigay nitong pagkakataon sa akin para makapagbigay ng karangalan sa bansa, sa aking pamilya, sa Zamboanga City at kay Mayor Ma. Clara Lobregat," said Tanamor.
Salamat kay boss Manny Lopez ng ABAP at, mula kay Harry at sa akin, kay Army Lt. Gen. Jaime delos Santos," said Payla.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Eric Buhain yesterday congratulated the ABAP for a very impressive international debut.
"That is truly great news! This is another step forward in our preparations for the forthcoming Busan Asian Games come September," Buhain said.
Buhain noted that the tough 27-nation world-ranking event, which featured the best boxers from all over the world, showcased the true capabilities of the national boxers.
He also thanked the private sector, particularly Caltex Philippines and Pacific Heights, for helping the government develop the full potential of national boxers.