Boholst yields to Dutch rival

MANILA, Philippines - Delfin Boholst dropped an 11-16 decision to Stephen Danyo of the Netherlands for the PLDT-ABAP national boxing team’s first setback in the 2011 World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan Thursday.

Boholst tried to dictate the tempo of the fight by attacking early but Danyo put up a solid counter-attack with his quick hands to gain the upperhand, 5-3.

The Dutch fighter padded the lead at 10-6 in the second round, forcing Boholst to go all-out in the third by crowding Danyo and raining down multiple blows. But the tenacious European Championship finalist hung on to even add one more point to his lead.

Meanwhile, Rolando Tacuyan takes on Iran’s Mehdi Toloutibandpi in the 64 kg light welterweight division Friday.

Six fighters make up the Phl contingent in the tournament which serves as the main qualifier for the London Olympics in 2012. A boxer needs to win at least three bouts to be eligible for the Olympiad, according to ABAP executive director Ed Picson.

Mark Anthony Barriga, Rey Saludar and Joan Tipon hurdled their opening assignments. Charly Suarez will see action for the first time Saturday against Ecuador’s Luiz Porozo.

The Philippine participation in the World Championships, backed by ABAP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and Maynilad president and CEO Ricky Vargas, is funded by the Philippine Sports Commission and supported by PLDT, Adidas, Powerade, Accel and Clusivol.