Abaniel seeks another crown

MANILA, Philippines - Former national amateur standout Gretchen Abaniel, now of Team Insider Boxing Gym, showed she was ready for a crack at another world title after scoring a unanimous decision over Christine Latube at the Brunsmick in Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna recently.

In a first-hand demonstration of speed and power, the 27-year-old Puerto Princesa, Palawan native completely outclassed her foe in six rounds, putting her on the line for the vacant Pan Asian Boxing Association minimumweight crown against a still unnamed foe in Japan next month.

Judge Jerrold Tomeldan scored it 60-54, Elmer Lopez 60-54, and Greg Ortega 59-55, all for the former national team mainstay, who turned pro in 2006.

“Tamang-tamang tune-up fight ito for me,” said Abaniel, who has a record of 11 wins, 2 KOs and four losses.

Abaniel won the WBC International minimumweight crown via a unanimous decision over Thai Lilly Kokietgym in 2007.

She annexed the vacant Women’s International Boxing Association title against another Thai fighter, Nongbua Lookprai-aree, two years later.

She retained her WIBA title in 2010 against Fahpratan Looksaikongdin, before losing it last year to Samson Tor Buamas, also of Thailand.

Abaniel is one of several pro boxers under the wing of Team Insider Boxing Gym, owned by businessman Jonathan Thorp, who has made the Philippines his home the past 25 years.

The gym, located along Kalayaan Avenue (near Burgos St.) in Makati, sits atop the Howzat Sports Bar, which the Briton also owns.

Designed by Atlanta Olympics silver medalist Onyok Velasco, the Team Insider Boxing Gym is home to Abaniel and fellow boxers Roman Canto, Leonardo Jandayan and Ricky Dulay, and world bodybuilding champ Luz McClinton of Pinoy Big Brother fame.

“Filipino athletes have lots of talent and skills, what they lack is the opportunity,” said Thorp, who plans to add more boxers to his stable. “If no one will support them, and give them the opportunity, then how will they develop?”

Aside from Velasco, other Team Insider trainers include former World Boxing Federation contender Jules Tagalog, former mixed martial arts champion Rodel Kid Orais, former WBC challenger Robert Rubillar, RP Paner and muay thai practitioner Adamson Torbiso.