Mosley watches as Suarez, Boholst clobber rivals

MANILA, Philippines - The PLDT-ABAP national boxing team continued its winning run in the prestigious Blue And Gold Tournament in Maywood, California, a small industrial city east of Los Angeles.

Best friends Charly Suarez and Delfin Boholst, who both went through tough fights Friday night on the way to the semifinals, had an easier time Saturday as they dominated their younger opponents.

Suarez proved too much for 17 year-old Saul Rodriguez of Los Angeles while Boholst also schooled hometown boy Santiago Guevara, 23, of host city Maywood.

Although it was a clear win for Suarez, he did get a good workout for his finals match Tuesday against Christian Leon of Grace. Leon has won four different titles in the Blue and Gold and has logged 95 fights.

“My opponent tomorrow looks more formidable, so I’m not letting up on my preparation,” said Suarez, the 22 year-old pride of Sawata, San Isidro, Davao del Norte.

Boholst will go for the gold against Jaime Ocegueda of Commerce who had an impressive win in the semis against Karpis Burushyan of Gio’s Boxing Gym. The Gingoog native dominated from the opening bell against Guevara, and did not let up until the end of the fight.

Earlier, Ricky Dulay also hurdled his semifinal round fight versus Ismael Fernandez of Durango. Dulay, however, complained that he wasn’t able to limber up properly after organizers changed the scheduled intermission.

It was supposed to happen after the fight that preceded Dulay’s but was moved instead to after the Samar native’s bout. The fighter and his coaches Ronald Chavez and Nolito Velasco had to scramble when their fight was suddenly called.

“I wasn’t able to warm up properly, but I was able to find a way to win with power and more scoring punches,” a relieved Dulay said.

On hand at the Maywood Community Center was five-time and three-division world champion Sugar Shane Mosley who watched his son Shane Jr. fight against Fil-American John Crispo.

Crispo was one of the fighters who tried out for the Philippine team at the University of San Francisco more than a week ago. He seemed to be leading against the young Mosley until he visibly ran out of steam in the last round. Mosley won the fight on points.

Aside from Suarez, Boholst and Dulay, three more Filipino boxers who drew byes will see action in the finals. They are Gerson Nietes, Rey Saludar and Josie Gabuco.

The three other female boxers, Annie Albania, Alice Kate Aparri and Nesthy Petecio were not entered in the California tournament due to the proximity of their coming stint in the Women’s World Championships in Bridgetown, Barbados Sept 9 to 19.