Thriving in running while boxing Bemedalled amateur pug dreams big in Milo Marathon

CEBU, Philippines - He’s a decorated amateur boxer but unknown to many, Ian Refuella also dabbles in the highly competitive stage of road running and that he even dreams big of making it to the National Milo Marathon one day.

Juggling two rigorous sports that entail a lot of discipline is a tedious task for an athlete, but for Refuella, everything is possible with hard work and determination.

While he is still in the process of charting a successful career path in the fistic arena, amateur standout Refuella starts to carve his own niche in a different sport that is running.

A former varsity of Southwestern University, the 25-year-old Refuella has been an amateur fighter since 2008. Aside from fighting inside the ring, he has also become one of the familiar faces in Cebu’s running scene.

Just recently, Refuella placed fourth in the 10K men’s open of the 39th National Milo Marathon- Cebu leg, finishing the race in 38 minutes and 12 seconds.

The Dumanjug-native Refuella said as a boxer, they are tasked to do road runs for their cardio but he decided to further test his endurance by joining in local races.

That’s where his career in running started.

“I still train in boxing but from time to time, I join fun runs and marathons,” said Refuella humbly admitting that one of the reasons why he is hooked in joining and trying to win footraces is that it helps him sustain his financial needs.

“Aside from using it as part of my conditioning and cardio training for boxing, the money that I earn in fun runs is also a big help,” said the mainstay of Cebu City Sports Commission grassroots sports development program.

At a tender of age of 12, Refuella shaped a career out of amateur boxing, in which he figured in more than 100 fights. “I can’t really remember the exact number of fights I had, but it’s more than a hundred already,” said Refuella, who aims to duplicate his gold medal performance in last year’s Philippine National Games.

Refuella is in deep training for his campaign in the PNG next month but he took a time off from throwing punches at the mitt to try his luck in the Milo Marathon.

“Joining in the Milo Marathon makes my stamina even stronger,” he said.

Refuella strongly feels that he is gaining ground in his second sport and he wants to prepare for a more successful stint next time with fervent hopes of qualifying for the National Milo Marathon.

“Joining races especially big ones like the Milo Marathon is really a big help for me as it gives me a chance to be known and earn at the same time,” Refuella said. “Whether in running or boxing, I always give my 100% and whichever sport, I am ready to rise above the challenge."

Even though he is into running, Refuella said he never runs inside the ring as he is an exciting type fighter who likes to slug it out toe-to-toe with his opponents and love to score knockouts like his idols in Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire.

“I am a runner but not inside the ring," Refuella said in slight jest.

Right now, Refuella, a Bachelor of Science in Education graduate major in Physical Education, is preparing for the next licensure exams as he also dreams of becoming a teacher.

Whatever the future holds for him, Refuella firmly believes that just like a race those, who don’t give up and continue to strive will reach the finish line where success in life is waiting. (FREEMAN)