Boxing hero sees end to drought

Since winning three gold medals in Hiroshima in 1994, the Philippine boxing team has failed to deliver a victory in the Asian Games. The drought may just end in Doha.

Elias Recaido, one of the three gold medalists in Hiroshima, yesterday said the seven Filipino boxers who flew to Qatar the other day are all capable of winning it all.

"They have trained hard for the Asian Games. Now we’re just looking forward to a good draw," said Recaido, who as a 26-year-old won the flyweight gold 12 years ago.

The other gold medal winners in 1994 were lightfly Onyok Velasco and light-welter Reynaldo Galido. The three gold medals in boxing were the only victories for the Philippines that year.

Recaido, now 38 and a father of five, including 13-year-old Karina Jean who is seeking a slot in the RP women’s boxing team, is confident that Filipinos can now end the losing spell.

After Hiroshima, the RP boxing team could only produce a bronze courtesy of featherweight Erik Canoy in Bangkok in 1998, and a silver medal through light-fly Harry Tañamor in Busan in 2002.

"We’re all hoping that this time we can win the gold again," said Recaido who is pinning his personal hopes on bantam Joan Tipon and light-fly Godffrey Castro, both first-timers in the Asian Games.

The other members of the team are flyweight Violito Payla, light-welter Delfin Buholst, featherweight Anthony Marcial, welter Francis Joven, Wilfredo Lopez and Genbert Basadre.

Payla is the only one in the team with Asian Games experience.

Tipon, who took over the slot occupied by Arlan Lerio in Busan, is the team leader. Castro, on the other hand, came in as a last-minute replacement for Tañamor.

"Personally, I think these two boxers can deliver although the rest are also capable. They can all give their rivals a very good fight," added Recaido, now a member of the RP team coaching staff.

Recaido said the draw could work either way for the Filipino boxer.

"While some prefer to be drawn with the underdogs, it’s not also bad to be drawn with the favorites. Because sooner or later, you’ll have to face them, too," he said.

"Personally, I think being drawn with the favorites is okay because it means that you will face them while you’re fresh. And if you win, then it may be easier the rest of the way," he added.