Abap forms elite roster of fighters

MANILA, Philippines - The Amateur Boxing Association of the Phils. yesterday named five boxers to the super elite group set to undergo extensive training here and abroad.

Featherweight Charly Suarez heads the elite team that includes flyweight Annie Albania, flyweight Rey Saludar, light flyweight Victorio Saludar and Mark Anthony Barriga (youth light flyweight).

“The group is considered by ABAP as the cream of the crop and is expected to banner the RP campaign in various international competitions,” said ABAP secretary-general Patrick Gregorio in the ongoing the PLDT-ABAP Luzon area boxing tournament in Subic.

Gregorio added that the select quintet will undergo specialized training under Barcelona bronze medalist Roel Velasco in boxing camps abroad, including Australia and the United States. Velasco has been appointed head trainer of the super elite team.

Meanwhile, the Tayabas and Romblon bets posted big victories and an upset win in the junior boys 50 kilogram division.

In the 32 kg. school boys class, Tayabas A’s Julius Peñamora beat Tayabas B stablemate Joel Peñamora, 3-0, while Tayabas C’s Arche Esteleydes crushed Tayabas D’s Rommel Opemaria, 10-0.

Romblon B’s Reymark De Capiz defeated Romblon A’s Richard Baile, 23-7, in the 51 kg. youth boys, while Romblon A’s Joebel Panagsagan sent Zambales A’s Michael Ancot packing barely 37 seconds into their 49 kg. elite division fight.

Other bouts saw Tarlac’s Kenneth Timpug stop Laguna’s Jade Bayron Sabaldica with 55 seconds remaining in the second round (RSC) of their 50 kg. encounter, Tayabas A’s Neco Magliquian retire Laguna’s Norman dela Cruz after the second round of their 51 kg. youth boys showdown, Bicol’s Michael Dasmariñas beat down Tayabas B’s Angelo Ilagan, 14-10, after trailing in the scorecard, 6-4, (51 kg.), and Melvin Meneses of Laguna B halt first-timer Francisco Alvarado of Zambales (RSC) with 1:13 left in the first round (51 kg.).

Harmon Jay Valdo of Baguio City posted the day’s upset in the 50 kg. junior boys bracket, 12-5, stunning Geo Rea of Tayabas, a gold medalist in the ABAP National Championship in Puerto Princesa early this year.