Pugs draw a mix of tough, lesser rivals

HO CHI MIHN (Via Globe Telecom) — Results of the draw further boosted the Philippine boxing team’s hopes for a big redemption in the 22nd Southeast Asian Games, thankful of some good breaks that went its way yesterday morning here.

But not all Team Philippines’ wishes were granted.

Francis Joven, for one, makes his debut in the biennial meet against 69kg. defending champion Manon Boojunnong of Thailand.

Violito Payla, meanwhile, has found himself in an early collision with old tormentor Sonjit Jongjonor also of Thailand in the 51kg. class.

Brunei Games 45kg. winner Juanito Magliquian and Bosnia International Tournament 75.kg silver medalist Christopher Camat were to start the Philippines’ campaign in the event versus unheralded fighters from Brunei and Vietnam, respectively, last night.

Magliquian, 20, from Talisay, Negros Occidental, was expected to pummel Mohd Ali Dzulfikri Hj Mohd Taib for a sure bronze and a shot at the final either against Ven Dyanman of Cambodia or Le Van Tri of the host country.

The Fil-Am fighter Camat was also fancied to pounce on Bui Phu Sau also for a guaranteed bronze. However, waiting for him in the semifinals is reigning titlist Sonchai Chimlum of Thailand.

After Magliquian and Camat, next Filipino pugs climbing the ring are Payla, Joven and Florencio Ferrer (60kg.) today.

Roel Laguna, who’s been assured of bronze with lack of entries in the 57kg. class, vies for a crack at the final against Laos’ Keo Intha Sathi tomorrow. On the same night, Mark Jason Melligen fights Camboadia’s Chan Samrith in a quarterfinal round bout.

Harry Tanamor, the Busan Asian Games silver medalist, and Joan Tipon clash with a Malaysian and a Laos foes also in the quarterfinals Saturday.

"Maganda-ganda na ang resulta ng draw. Laban na tayo sa maraming ginto," said RP coach Nolito "Boy" Velasco.

"Napaaga ang laban ni Payla kay Jonjonor. Pero maganda na rin iyan. Yan na ang gold medal fight sa division nila," said another RP coach Pat Gaspi.

Payla, a 24-year-old pug from Cagayan de Oro, went home without a medal from the Kuala Lumpur Games in 2001 as he was beaten by Jonjonor in their quarterfinal bout.

But Payla has improved a lot since then as he also reached the Busan Asian Games quarterfinals and pocketed gold medals in the Acropolis Cup, Gee Bee Tournament and the Chowdry Cup.

"Gigil din si Payla na makalaban uli si Jonjonor. Gustong bumawi," said Gaspi.