Ramirez wants 2 Cuban mentors for RP
In fact, Ramirez said the sports body will be tapping not just one but two Cuban coaches to oversee the program of the Amateur Boxing Association of the
“This time, we have to change our plan,” said Ramirez, who arrived here Monday to provide support to the RP Smart-PLDT boxing team. “I am not taking anything away from our local coaches but these Cubans could really help us if we want to elevate our boxing program to the next level.”
Ramirez said the move has the blessings of ABAP president Manny Lopez, who felt sorry for the dismal campaign of the national boxers with four – flyweight Violito Payla, featherweight Orlando Tacuyan Jr., lighweight Genebert Basadre, lightwelter Adam Fiel – of the five sent here all dropping their initial assignments.
Only bantamweight Joan Tipon remained in the hunt for an Olympic berth but the Doha Asian Games gold medallist, who advanced to the semifinal round with a resounding victory over
“Manny has already agreed since this project will be in a close collaboration with the ABAP,” said Ramirez, who along with boxing patron Manny Pangilinan and Lopez, will fly to
The ABAP chief welcomed Ramirez’s move “as long as it will be a collaborative effort among ABAP, PSC and other boxing stakeholders.”
According to Ramirez, the more experienced Cuban mentor will be tasked to supervise the training and preparation of the elite athletes in coordination with the local coaches in time for the second AIBA Asian Boxing Olympic Qualifying tournament in
Ramirez stressed that it doesn’t necessarily have to be “
“It’s all about dedication and the Cubans fully know that,” said Ramirez.
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