Phl, Thai boxers hold dual camp for Olympic elims

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino Olympic boxing hopefuls step up on their build-up for the coming qualifiers to the London Games by holding a dual training camp with bets from regional rival Thailand in Bangkok next month.

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) executive director Ed Picson said their counterparts in Thailand agreed to set up a joint training with the Pinoy pugs from March 10-23, also part of their own preparations for the Asian Olympic Qualifying.

“I’m thinking we would get to train with their Team A since they also want some training before the April 3-4 Asian Qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan,” Picson told The STAR yesterday.

Going to Bangkok are nine boxers led by light-flyweight qualifier Mark Anthony Barriga. The others are Rey Saludar, Gerson Nietes, Joegin Ladon, Junel Cantacio, Dennis Galvan, Rolando Tacuyan, Wilfredo Lopez and Nathaniel Montealto. If he’s free from his duties with the Mumbai Fighters in the World Series of Boxing, Charly Suarez will also tag along.

From there, Phl will proceed to Astana, Kazakhstan for separate workouts with the Kazakhs from March 24 all the way to the qualifying tourney itself.