Albania, two others assured of bronzes

NINGBO, China – Reigning Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Annie Albania and two others beat their respective foes to reach the semifinal round and assured themselves of bronze medals in the 2008 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships at the Ningbo Youngor Gymnasium here Wednesday.

Albania overwhelmed Song Hye Tong, 10-0, in their light bantamweight bout; flyweight Analisa Cruz outpointed Diana Timofte of Romania, 13-8, and pinweight Josie Gabuco defeated Oxana Shtakun of Ukraine, 7-3.

With three bronze medals, the RP fighters have surpassed their two bronze-medal haul in the previous two editions of the world meet.

But Mitchel Martinez, a two-time bronze medalist in the event, failed to advance as she lost to Cheng Dong of China, 14-3.

“It’s really tough to beat a rival from the host country but we can’t do anything. At least, we have three fighters in the semis,” said RP-Smart PLDT coach Glicerio Catolico Jr.

“I gave it my best shot but I don’t know why I couldn’t score with my hits,” said Martinez, a bronze medalist in the 2005 and 2006 world tilts, in Filipino.

Despite landing clear punches, Martinez fell, 1-3, in the first round. She then fought aggressively in the second frame but still lagged behind 2-8. Worse, she was given a standing eight-count with 1:14 in the third.

Albania will take on Laishram Sarita of India, while Thailand SEAG and 2005 Asian Championship silver medalist Cruz will collide with Hyang Ok Kim of North Korea for spots in the finals in their respective divisions.