Davao pugs dominate ABAP Mindanao tiff

MANILA, Philippines - Jerald Cantero defeated MisOr’s Elyde Pamisa, 14-10, in the 28-kg cotton weight class while Cris Sander Laurente rolled to a 6-1 triumph over Gingoog City’s Romel Tuyogon in the 30 kg. vacuum weight class to lead Davao del Norte’s 11-gold medal romp in the PLDT-ABAP Mindanao boxing tournament at the New Pandan covered court in Panabo City yesterday.

Other winners for Davao del Norte were Christian Laurente (32 kg.), Louille Roy Inson (42 kg), Rabicycle Gabriel (46 kg), Rolen Aivan Magarce (60 kg.), Joey Canoy (46 kg.), and Welander Hersalla (60 kg.).

General Santos placed second overall with five golds with twins Jake and Jade Bornea, both from Bula town in the former Dadiangas City, pounding out victories in the 48 kg. light flyweight and 50 kg. flyweight categories, respectively.

Expecting an early rout, the hometown crowd got a big surprise after Misamis Oriental fighters won the first two gold medals disputed – the 24 kg. and 26 kg. kids divisions.

MisOr, which sent eight boxers in the finals, settled for four gold medals, its campaign screeching to a halt after victories by Julito Sumalinog (52 kg.) and Jerson Ladrada (54 kg) in the junior boys division.

Jake Bornea’s strong finish was instrumental in impressing the judges as he nipped Kidapawan’s Ronaldo Bravo, 11-8, in the 48 kg. final, while elder brother Jade hacked out a 13-9 decision over hometown bet Charnie John Magsayo, one of the few gold medals that slipped through Davao del Norte’s hands.

Joining the Bornea siblings for GenSan are Jhesiel Vuano (44 kg.), Ronnie Tanallon (49 kg.), and Raffy Cavan (52 kg.). Claiming a gold each are Maasim’s Aldrin Pasculado (34 kg.), Sursocot’s Gerald Lope (38 kg.), Gingoog’s April Dan Mejares (40 kg.), and Camiguin’s Jeson Umbal (56 kg.).

Meanwhile, ABAP executive director Ed Picson said the Visayas tournament will be held next month in Dumaguete followed by the National Championship in Tagbilaran in February.

Ricky Vargas, Maynilad Water and ABAP president was pleased at the turnout and the public’s overwhelming reaction to the five-day tourney.

“PLDT-ABAP’s program has a strong grassroots pipeline,” said Vargas, who awarded the medals, along with ABAP secretary-general Patrick Gregorio and Smart Sports’ Epok Quimpo.

“This was started three years ago and we are reaping the fruits of our labor, thanks to boxing stakeholders like Panabo and MisOr. But there is a lot more to do and we remain focused and determined.”

Gregorio reiterated ABAP’s goal in its continued drive to seek out new talents in the countryside.

“Our sincere intention is to help change lives of Filipino athletes, particularly boxers,” Gregorio said. “That is why even during the busy holiday season, we worked hard to organize this tournament.”