Pinoy pugs vie in World Youth tilt

National Open standouts Gerson Nietes Jr., Welbeth Loberanis, Glicerio Catolico III, Aston Francis Palicte and Rolando Tacuyan compete against the top junior boxers in the world in the first AIBA World Youth Championships slated Oct. 25-Nov. 3 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Currently training in Havana, Cuba, the five RP bets will slug it out for medals in the tournament which replaced the Junior World Championships last held two years ago in Agadir, Morocco.

‘‘The event is a big test for our boxers. The stint is part of ABAP’s preparations for 2012,’’ said Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines president Manny Lopez.

Also training in Havana are Conrado Tañamor Jr., Jameboy Vicera and John Ray Melligen.

‘‘We are taking advantage of the noted and proven Cuban boxing technology,” said Lopez.

Cuban Dagoberto Rojas Scott and Elmer Pamisa will coach the five-man Smart-PLDT team, which will arrive in Mexico City from Havana on Oct. 23.