MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-four national boxers from the PLDT-ABAP roster are taking part in the Adidas Martial Arts Week which kicks off today at SM Mall of Asia.
Competition in boxing, judo, karate, taekwondo and wrestling runs until July 31.
Twelve bouts to kick off the weeklong event are lined up for boxing, said ABAP executive director Ed Picson.
The card pits Crisanto Godaren of Baguio City vs Victorio Saludar of Panabo City (52 kgs), Junel Cantancio of the Air Force vs Nico Magliquian of Negros Occidental (56 kgs), Nice Zaa Petecio of Davao del Norte vs Maricris Igam of Palawan (54 kgs), Joan Tipon of Negros Occidental vs Recky Dulay of Northern Samar (56 kgs), Nathaniel Montealto of Palawan vs Dennis Galvan of Negros Occidental (64 kgs), Ricalyn Aquino of Bicol vs Mich Joy Hugo of Palawan (60 kgs), Josie Gabuco of Palawan vs Irish Magno of Iloilo (60 kgs), Rey Saludar of Army battles Gerson Nietes of Negros Occidental (52 kgs), Charly Suarez vs Orlando Tacuyan Jr. (60 kgs), Analisa Cruz vs Nesthy Petecio (54 kgs), Mark Anthony Barriga vs Jack Tepora (49 kgs), and Rolando Tacuyan vs Wilfredo Lopez (69 kgs) on Day One.
ABAP, under chairman Manny V. Pangilinan of Smart-PLDT and president Ricky Vargas, Maynilad CEO, is using the martial arts tournament as part of the selection process for the Asian Championship in South Korea, the World Championship in Azerbaijan and the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia, added Picson.
On tap after boxing are: judo (July 23), taekwondo (July 24), wrestling (July 29), and karate (July 30).