RP pugs vie in 3 int’l tourneys

Two teams of Filipino boxers left last night for tough international competitions in Thailand and Europe as part of their buildup for the Busan Asian Games in September.

Harry Tanamor and Violito Payla, gold medal winners in the recent Prof. Chowdry Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, lead the Team Caltex Philippines that will see action in the Gee Bee slugfest in Helsinki, Finland and the Socikas championship in Kaunas, Lithuania.

The two European tournaments will be held successively, with the Finland event starting today. The Lithuania slugfest begins on April 10.

Another Team Caltex Philippines composed of young but very promising boxers will see action in the 25th King’s Cup tournament in Bangkok starting today. It will end on April 10.

Tanamor will see action in the light flyweight class while Payla will compete in the flyweight division. Their teammates are Vincent Palicte (bantam), Roel Laguna (feather), Anthony Igusquiza (lightweight) and Olympian Romeo Brin (light welter).

Making up the squad for the King’s Cup are Godfrey Castro (light fly), Warlito Parrenas (flyweight), Ferdie Gamo (bantam), Jogen Ladon (feather), Florencio Ferrer (lightweight), Maximino Tabangcora III (welter) and Maraon Goles (light middle).

Although the European-bound squad is decidedly the stronger team, boxing president Manny Lopez is convinced both have good chances of bringing home medals.

"Both teams are well-prepared but will be up against very classy opposition. I’m confident they will bring home a fair share of the medals at stake," said Lopez, who will accompany the European-bound squad.

Both teams are supported by Caltex Philippines, Pacific Heights, Revicon and the Philippine Sports Commission.

The team seeing action in Finland and Lithuania will be coached by Nolito Velasco while former SEA Games campaigner and Los Angeles quarterfinalist Ronald Cavez will coach the King’s Cup squad.