Moralde best boxer; Davao romps off with overall crown

MANILA, Philippines - Davao City’s John Vincent Moralde dominated the bantamweight class and won the boxer of the tournament title even as Davao Del Norte copped the overall championship in the PLDT-ABAP Mindanao Area Boxing Amateur tournament in Panabo City, Davao del Norte yesterday.

Moralde won the gold by scoring a second round RSC (referee-stopped-contest) win over hometown bet Marvilo Aballe while Davao del Norte outpointed Misamis Oriental in the final tally of a cumulative point system based on medals won by every team.

Boxing officials and coaches expressed their satisfaction over the outcome of the event, which produced a number of talents who could be tapped to join the national training pool.

“The tournament is one of the best organized and best fought. Our national coaches spotted a lot of talent who will be tested against those chosen in the Luzon, Visayas and NCR tournaments,” said ABAP executive director Ed Picson.

The ABAP holds its national finals Jan. 22-28 next year in Cagayan de Oro.

The event drew 232 boxers representing 21 clubs from different parts of the region. Davao Del Norte bagged the Tony Boy Cup which honors Mindanao’s ardent boxing benefactor and former congressman Tony Boy Floirendo.

“We thank ex-Cong Tony Boy Floirendo, Cong. Anton Lagdameo and ABAP deputy executive director Generose Tecson and her staff for a job well done. The tournament is a proof that our grassroots development program is alive and kicking,” said Picson.