3 Phl fighters hurdle President Cup foes

MANILA, Philippines - Josie Gabuco toyed with Marua Chaudury of Nepal and fashioned out a 21-0 victory to lead two other members of the PLDT-ABAP national boxing team into the second round of the 21st President’s Cup at the Senayan Indoor Stadium in Jakarta Sunday.

Gabuco, a bronze medalist in the 2008 World Championships, used her speed and power to overwhelm Chaudury and annex the one-sided victory in the light-flyweight division.

Analisa Cruz, coming off a bronze medal finish in the China Open in Guiyang last May, also dominated local bet Beatrix Sugoro and silenced the hometown crowd as he scored a 17-10 romp in the 51-kg category.

Cruz initially appeared startled by the loud cheers even at missed punches by her opponent but quickly settled down and asserted her might to hack out the victory.

Neophyte Ian Clark Bautista of Bacolod, on the other hand, fought like a veteran, beating a taller Htet Aung of Myanmar in a slam-bang three-round affair.

Bautista, 16, came out smoking at the bell, attacking Aung to the face and body en route to a resounding 16-8 decision in the light-flyweight category.

While elated at the early results, ABAP executive director and delegation head Ed Picson expressed guarded optimism on his wards’ chances.

“This is only the beginning. It’s a tough field out there. While our women boxers are tested internationalists, five of our six male boxers are teenagers, almost all of them with no international experience,” he said.

“But we need to hone them early and this is a great opportunity. The favored teams here are China, Russia, India, Mongolia and Kazakhstan, but our boxers are undaunted and have prepared hard for this.”

Twenty-eight countries are entered in the tournament. Thailand, the Philippines chief rival in regional tournaments, was a no-show after the AIBA (International Boxing Association) suspended the Amateur Boxing Association of Thailand last week.

The other members of Team Phl are Charly Suarez (60kg), Edilio Abrea (52 kg), Nico Magliquian (56 kg), Nathaniel Montealto (64 kg), Fil-Am Mico Brina (69 kg) and 2010 World Championships quarterfinalist Nesthy Petecio in the distaff side.

Coaches are Ronald Chavez, Sonny Dollente and Mitchel Martinez (women). Their trip here is bankrolled by PLDT and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Accel, Powerade and Clusivol.