Another knockout year for Phl pugs

MANILA, Philippines - Count the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines as one of the few NSAs (national sports association) that delivered for the country in the year that’s about to end.

Ricky Vargas, president of ABAP, said 2011 has been a good one for the same association that has provided some of the great moments for the Philippines in the international scene.

“2011 is another fruitful and inspiring year for ABAP,” said Vargas in a statement issued yesterday.

The president and CEO of Maynilad has plenty of reasons to cheer, with members of the national boxing team living up to the expectations.

“I am happy to highlight our accomplishments. A world junior champion, four SEA Games gold medals, one Olympic qualifier and hopefully more will qualify by April 2012,” he said.

Eumir Marcial won the gold at the World Junior Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan last July to kick off the year for ABAP.

The 15-year-old Marcial, from Zamboanga City, became the first Filipino to win gold since the event was first staged in 2001, and for his feat he received P300,000 from PLDT/Smart big boss and ABAP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan.

Mark Anthony Barriga made it to the 2012 London Olympics following the Asian qualifier in Baku, Azerbaijan earlier this year, and although he did not deliver in the recent SEA Games, he has his eyes set on the Olympics.

The Pinoy boxers won four gold medals in the SEA Games courtesy of Alice Kate Aparri, Josie Gabuco, Charly Suarez and Dennis Galvan, and also brought home a silver through Nesthy Petecio, and a bronze care of Rey Saludar.

Only one other NSA, the Philippine Taekwondo Association, delivered four gold medals for the Philippines in the recent SEA Games, and also behind the PTA is PLDT/Smart through Vargas and MVP.

Vargas said ABAP’s success is the result of a sound program.

“ABAP’s grassroots development is definitely an integral part of our plans and programs. We are on our third year of doing the PLDT sponsored regional and national youth championships.

“We have ‘changed the lives’ of young recruits like Mark Barriga, Eumir Marcial and Dennis Galvan. Yes, our focus is in the Olympics, though admittedly a difficult and challenging task,” he said.

“I am confident our PLDT-ABAP boxers are focused and determined to succeed. Laban para sa bayan. Suntok Ginto! Cheers to our NSA, the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines.”