NINGBO CITY – Veteran Alice Kate Aparri humbled Monika Csik of Hungary, 7-2, yesterday to advance to the next round of the 2008 Women’s World Boxing Championships at the Ningbo Youngor Gymnasium here.
The 24-year-old light flyweight built a 3-0 lead in the first round and continued pounding on the Hungarian for the win.
Bantamweight Redelyn Digmayo failed to hurdle the challenge of much-taller Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Hue, bowing 1-9.
“Kaya ko sana yung mga suntok niya kaya lang masyado siyang matangkad at mahaba ang reach. Papasok pa lang ako nandiyan na kaagad yung suntok niya,” said the 19-year-old Baguio native.
Digmayo was also hampered by an injured right knee and left ankle. She hurt herself during training two weeks ago.
Pinweight Josie Gabuco will see action today against Vietnamese Nguyen Thi Hoa.
“One hundred percent panalo yan. Malaki ang tiwala namin kay Josie at nakita na rin naming naglaro yung Vietnamese,” said national coach Glicerio Catolico.
Six boxers, including former Asian Champion Mitchel Martinez, Analisa Cruz and Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Annie Albania are representing the country in this prestigious event through the help of Philippine Sports Commission and Pacific Heights.
Aparri will have a chance to rest today before she faces Jacqueline Park of Canada who barely escaped Kalpana Chowdhury of India 6-5.
“Sa tingin ko kayak o pa rin siya (Park). Pero ayokong magkumppiyansa basta ilalabas ko lang yung mga ginawa ko sa ensayo naming,” Aparri vowed.
After leading 3-0, Aparri unleashed combinations to Csik’s head to build a 5-1 cushion. The Hungarian tried to be attack in the third and final round to no avail.