23 countries vie in Asian boxing

MANILA, Philippines - Powerhouse China, North Korea, former Soviet republics, and the Middle Eastern bloc, including war-torn Syria, are among 23 countries that have confirmed their participation in the 2013 ASBC Asian Confederation Youth Boxing Championship set March 10-17 at the Subic gym.

As many as 25 nations, including host Philippines, are expected to send their finest boxing youths to the tournament, and this early Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Macau, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Chinese Taipei, Turkmenistan, Iran, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have already guaranteed a slam-bang affair with their confirmation.

On tap for boxers 17-18 years old are 10 weight divisions from 49kgs light flyweight to 91kgs super heavyweight.

“We’re hoping to field bets in six divisions,” said Picson, who is currently overseeing action in the national championships.

Maasin City Mayor Maloney Samaco, an avid sports fan who writes boxing articles for Philboxing.com, and Southern Leyte Gov. Damian Mercado have extended their full support for the Feb. 17-23 competition which is expected to draw 20 teams and 100 boxers from all over the country.