Hardball’s comeback

Starting today, Hardball returns in its newest incarnation. Daily from Monday to Friday, the one-hour sports program will air on DWAN 1206 AM. The aim is to break down the latest stories and issues from as many points of view as possible. Producing a daily program is a challenging task, but the crackerjack production and creative teams of DWAN have done a great job in preparing the former No. 1 station for its resurrection after 30 years. This was possible thanks to the determination of IBC network president Jimmie Policarpio, our endlessly imaginative station manager Marc Logan, and the relentlessly hard-working Terence Khan.

Our first episode today will feature interviews with boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino and world No. 2 pole vaulter and returning Olympian EJ Obiena. There are several matters in boxing that Atty. Ed will break down for us. The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines has done a remarkable job getting five boxers into the Paris Olympics, including medalists and returnees Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial. Tolentino boldly predicts who has the best chance of getting a gold medal. As usual, our dear friend will also give his pointed, humorous take on other matters in the sport.

Atty. Ed will also give his take on eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao’s mulling an attempt to go for the WBC world welterweight title again, plus his predictions on possible future Filipino world boxing champions.

In our conversation with Obiena, we take a deep dive into his mental processes in preparing to perform on the pressure-packed international stage. Obiena is driven to claim the gold in Paris, and has fully honed his body and mind to claim the sport’s highest honor. We’ll ask him questions he has never been asked before.

The Philippines has a bumper crop of athletes going to the Olympics, and there is so much going on in basketball. These will be the backbone of Hardball for the next few weeks. Be part of the conversation through  (02) 7001 3053 and [email protected]. There’s so much to talk about.