Tipon leads semifinalists in RP boxing

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte — Reigning Southeast Asian Games Joan Tipon of the Elorde-Parañaque boxing team, mauled Jonathan Alde of Zamboanga City to lead the semifinals cast Thursday night in the National Youth and Women Amateur Boxing Olympic Festival at the Mindanao Civic Center here.

A bantamweight, Tipon scored an RSC (Referee Stopped Contest) over Alde 34 seconds into the second round in this week-long slugfest supported by the Lanao del Norte provincial government headed by Gov. Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo and Rep. Bobby Dimaporo.

Also entering the semifinals of the 54 kgs (bantamweight) division were Rolly Boholts of Camiguin, Province, Godfrey Castro of the Philippine Army and Rey Rebukas of Maramag Bukidnon.

In the light-flyweight class (48 kgs), veteran internationalist Harry Tañamor of Army, Albert Pabila of Elorde-Parañaque, William Belandres of North Cotabato and Ronel Pereras of Caba, Sorsogon made it to the semifinals serving as qualifying for future members of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines training pool.

In the junior division, bantamweight (54 kgs), Larry Abarra became the second bet from the Olongapo City boxing team to enter the semifinals. He scored an RSC in the second round against Allan Idusura of Puerto Princesa City.

Other semifinalists were Roberto Udtuhan, Larry Villanueva and Ronald Virtudazo. Semifinalists in the junior division of the pinweight (45 kgs), are Jeff Macaranas, John Casimero, Noriel Nacionales and Jose Rumasasa.