Pacquiao to grace RP amateur boxing opener

World champion Manny Pacquiao has been invited to grace the opening of the the National Amateur Boxing Championship slated Jan. 17-24 in Bacolod.

Incoming ABAP secretary-general Pato Gregorio yesterday said Rep. Monico Puentevella, who will officially serve as Philippine Olympic Committee chair starting tomorrow, had already invited Pacquiao as guest speaker in the eight-day event.

“The National Championship has no other than the world’s best fighter to inspire our boxers during the opening rites,” said Gregorio. “His presence should be a big boost not only for the boxers but to Philippine boxing in general.”

Pacquiao is currently in the US with pregnant wife Jinky and should make it in time for the opening rites since the latter is expected to give birth anytime soon.

Gregorio said the annual meet would serve as jumping board for a larger program – a nationwide boxing league for all Filipino amateur pugs – with hopes of producing future RP team mainstays.

“The championship promises to be more colorful and exciting with the boxing congress and the launch of the amateur boxing inter-region tournament similar to the concept of Liga Pilipinas,” said Gregorio.

The Liga Pilipinas is a creation of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, also headed by the ABAP chair himself – Smart and PLDT chair Manny V. Pangilinan – with the main aim of strengthening its grassroots program.

Pangilinan, Ricky Vargas (president) and outgoing president Manny Lopez (vice president), were among those elected months back as part of realignment efforts geared at capturing an elusive Olympic medal in the 2012 London Games.

“Under the new leadership of ABAP, the 2009 Philippine boxing program is expected to break new grounds,” said Gregorio.

The championship is expected to draw participation from new and old faces headed by light flyweight Harry Tañamor, who recently topped the prestigious World Cup in Moscow.

The 31-year-old Zamboanga City native, who made up for a disappointing effort in last August’s Beijing Games with his recent triumph, said he’s good for a few more stints with the RP squad.

ABAP also announced that interested participants/stakeholders to the championship and conference may call up its secretariat through Art Aro at 09189497789. – Joey Villar