Power-punching Artist enters finals

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte — Power-punching Artist Martin Jr. pummeled Davao City’s Federico Boise Jr. into submission as he assured Olongapo City of at least a silver medal Saturday night in the National Youth and Women Amateur Boxing Olympic Festival at the Mindanao Civic Center here.

Martin, whose father is a former serviceman stationed at the former American base in Olongapo City, exchanged solid punches against the Davaoeño during their semifinal bout in the middleweight (75kgs) class.

Unwilling to back down, he floored Boise with a right to the face in the second round and was ahead, 15-9 on points when Boise did not answer the bell at the start of the third.

Martin’s victory highlighted an action-packed day which also saw national teammates Alice Kate Aparri and Gretchen Abaniel arrange a final showdown for the pinweight (46 kgs) gold in this slugfest held under the auspices of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines headed by Manny Lopez and supported by Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo and Rep. Bobby Dimaporo.

The week-long event featuring the country’s leading amateur boxers is sponsored by Pacific Heights.

Aparri of University of Baguio-Shape Up punished Gema Montera, 14-1, while Abaniel of Puerto Princesa City scored a RSC (referee stopped contest, 1:28, first round) win over Anelove Gementiza.      

Davao del Norte A and B also flexed their might as (lightfly, jrs) Frolian Saludar, Rolando Saider and Charyno Quiao; (flyweight, jrs) Jaime Quitoriano and Rey Saludar made it to the semifinals.

Veteran Romeo Brin of the Philippine Army beat Marlon Borja of Davao City but will be tested in the welterweight finals by Wilfredo Lopez of North Cotabato, who at 19, promises to be prospect for the national training team. The 5-foot-9 Lopez scored a RSC (referee stopped contest, first round, 1:32) win over Leo Militante of Zamboanga City.