RP pugs to take on world’s best

CHICAGO, Illinois – The RP PLDT-Smart boxing team arrived late Saturday night  for the International Amateur Boxing Association World Boxing Championships at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion here.

“We’re tired but we’re ready to rumble,” said head coach Patricio Gaspi after checking in at the Palmer House Hilton at downtown Chicago.

It took the team of seven boxers, two coaches and two officials 27 hours to arrive in Chicago  after stopovers at the Hong Kong International Airport and Tom Bradley International Terminal before landing via American Airlines at the O’ Hare International Airport.

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines president Manny Lopez had arrived earlier to attend the AIBA extraordinary congress slated Monday at the Westin Hotel, Wellington Ballroom in North Michigan Avenue.

Lopez said the congress to be presided by AIBA president  Ching Kuo–Wu will tackle major and minor changes in the organization’s rules.

Lopez also thanked PLDT-Smart chair Manuel Pangilinan for supporting the team. He had earlier predicted that the nationals will meet their target of snaring two berths to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“Our boxers know their mission. They prepare hard for this tournament and I am confident that we will not go home empty-handed,”  said Gaspi, who is being assisted by Ronald Chavez and international referee/judge Arturo Vidal, said the nationals are in physical shape. Upon arrival, Gaspi ordered the nationals to rest immediately.

The team is composed of light flyweight Harry Tanamor, flyweight Violito Payla, bantamweight Joan Tipon, featherweight Charly Suarez, lightweight Genebert Basadre, light-welterweight Delfin Boholst and welterweight Wilfredo Lopez. Also with team is ABAP secretary Rogelio Fortaleza.