Chavez wins opener in World Youth boxing

MANILA, Philippines - Ronald Chaves Jr. beat on points Bulgaria’s Botos Karoly to kick off Team Phl’s campaign in the AIBA World Youth boxing championships in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The newest hope from the big Chavez boxing clan from the Visayas, Ronald, handled by his father Ronald Sr. and Elias Recaido Jr., will next face Micallef Hugo from Monaco.

Three other Filipino fighters Carlo Paalam, Mark Lumbab and John Patrick Cagumay climb the ring today in the world slugfest for 17-18 year olds.

Paalam trades blows with Colombia’s Ternera Alarcon, Lumbab takes on Jack Bowe of Australia while Cagumay tangles with Charles Frankham of England.

Ranjo Napoles opens his quest against Patrick Donovan, opening-round winner versus Damian Durkacz of Poland in this event that drew 351 fighters from 65 countries.