PAF’s Pabila, favored pugs hurdle opponents

Highly favored Albert Pabila of the Philippine Air Force opened his title-retention bid in smashing style even as the favored boxers triumphed in the 2008 PLDT-Smart National Open, Youth and Women’s Amateur Boxing Championship Tuesday at the Robinson’s Place in Iloilo City.

Pabila, who shocked Beijing Olympics-bound Harry Tañamor en route to winning the gold in the light-flyweight class of the Open division last year, pummeled Cebuano Rinel Mandate, 28-7.

“My opponent was strong but I boxed very well,’’ said Pabila, a member of the national team and a bronze medalist in the Thailand SEA Games last year.

Davao del Norte’s Froilan Saludar, a newcomer in the national team, looms as Pabila’s main rival as the 19-year old posted a 23-3 RSC-Outscored win over Wilfren Papasin from Maasim Sarangani.

Saludar showed hand speed and good footwork in winning his first fight in the Open class in this tournament organized by the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines headed by Manny Lopez  and hosted by the Iloilo City government.

Defending overall Senior champion Philippine Navy had two boxers  – Lhyven Salazar and June Ador Diamali – and  they also pulled off big wins.

The 29-year-old Salazar posted a RSC-Outclassed win against Dionisio Magarso, 1:54 of the first round of the bantamweight division.

Salazar was overpowering as Magarso was given a standing eight count after absorbing a left hook and the match ended after the Ilongo suffered a bloodied nose.

Lightweight Diamali dominated their bout with PAF-A Elmer Pagdato for a 34-10 decision.

Expecting to crowd Salazar is PAF Jay-Ar Quiam, another new face in the national pool, who eliminated Bago City bet Nelson Gonzaga with a 23-3 RSC-OS decision.

Defending Youth Champion Davao del Norte, meanwhile, firmed up its bid for a fifth straight title as three of its bets advanced into the semifinals of the weeklong championships supported by Pacific Heights and Philippine Sports Commission.

Kids division cotton weight campaigner Michael John Bahena won on points over Jenreyl Lago of Gingoog City; school boys jr. mosquito weight and 2008 Palarong Pambansa champion Mark Anthony Barriga posted an RCS-OS verdict over Robert Tampong from Palawan. Palaro champion Jerwin Ancajas scored a RSC-OS win over Philfrancis Abanilla of North Cotabato.