MANILA, Philippines - Asian Games gold medalist Joan Tipon couldn’t have said it best when asked about the RP boxing team’s coming campaign in the 2009 Southeast Asian Games.
“Patay kung patay ( Kill or be killed),” said boxer from Negros Occidental when he appeared with the rest of the national squad in the weekly PSA Forum yesterday at the Shakey’s UN Avenue branch.
His sentiment readily spoke about the overall outlook of a team seeking to redeem itself in the 25th edition of the biennial meet that kicks off next week in Laos.
Claiming unfair officiating did them in, the nationals settled for just a single gold, courtesy of Annie Albania, and 12 silver medals during the last staging of the SEA Games in Thailand two years ago.
But now faced with a fresh start, the boxing team vows to go all-out this time.
“We will fight for the gold and not simply hand it to the other teams,” assured women’s coach Boy Catolico.
Albania and Tipon were with Catolico, men’s coach Pat Gaspi, veterans Harry Tañamor and Mitchel Martinez and SEA Games newcomer Charlie Suarez in the forum presented by Outlast Battery, Pagcor, Accel and Shakey’s.
Others comprising the team are Alice Kate Aparri and Josie Gabuco in the distaff side and Bill Vicera, Charlie Suarez and Joegin Ladon in the men’s squad.
Of the lot, all eyes are expected on Albania, not only because she’s gunning for a third straight gold in the SEA Games, but the former University of the East stalwart is also coming off a gold medal showing in the recent Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam.
That lone gold by Albania in the third edition of the Indoor meet made her the hands-down choice as the country’s official flag bearer during SEA Games opening rite.
“I myself was surprised when I was chosen the flag bearer,” said the pride of Banga, South Cotabato.
The boxing team will be leaving for Laos on Dec. 6, although competitions won’t start until the 11th for men and 12th for women.
On the 10th, the weigh-in and drawing of lots will be held.
“Doon pa lang tayo magkakaroon ng idea kung sino ang mga makakalaban natin,” Gaspi added.