Ladon raps Tajik foe, gains World slot

BANGKOK – Rogen Ladon failed to control his emotions after an impressive win over his second-ranked opponent from Tajikistan Tuesday night at the ASBC Asian Boxing Championships.

The 21-year-old Ladon outclassed Murodjon Rasulov, 3-0, to move on to the semis here and book a ticket to the AIBA World Championships in Doha on Oct. 5-15.

Once in Doha, Ladon will get the chance to qualify for next year’s Rio Olympics, a life-long dream for the native of Bago City.

After the victory, inside one of the gymnasium’s warm-up rooms, Ladon broke down before his coaches – Pat Gaspi and Nolito “Boy” Velasco.

“Masayang-masaya kasi ako (It’s because I’m so happy),” Ladon said later on.

Rasulov, 26, was seeded second here behind Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekistan. He is the son of 10-time Tajikistan national boxing champion Vokhid Rasulov.

Just the thought of making it to the coming World Championships is enough reason for Ladon to celebrate. A shot at an Olympics berth is just a bonus.

“Masaya ako makakapunta ako sa (I’m happy to make it to the) World Championships. Parang Olympics din ‘yun kasi buong mundo (It’s like the Olympics because it’s the world),” he said.

Ladon has been impressive in his first two fights in this Thai capital, and even foreign officials have taken notice of him.

“Your boy very good,” said Homayoun Ardalan, a ranking official of the Iranian Boxing Federation. He is a retired general and former fighter jet pilot.

“Iba ang kinikilos (He’s moving well),” said head coach Pat Gaspi.

“Magpu-pursigi ako sa training (I will train harder),” said Ladon, who will meet Mongolia’s Gan-Erdene Gankhuyag in the semis on Friday.

Ladon has been to the SEA Games only once, settling for the silver in Singapore last June. In the 2013 Asian Championships he lost in the quarterfinals.

“This could be his time,” said ABAP executive director Ed Picson of Ladon.

The remaining boxers will take a much-needed break Thursday. Then it’s on to the semis and finals, which will take place Saturday.

Flyweight Ian Clark Bautista did not advance to the semis after taking a 3-0 loss to Azat Usenaliev of Kyrgyzstan Wednesday.

The third Filipino in the quarterfinals, welterweight Eumir Felix Marcial, was in the evening schedule, pitted against Thailand’s Saylom Ardee.

Bautista gave his best against Usenaliev, who established his jab early and connected with his one-two combinations that kept the Filipino at bay.

Usenaliev is an excellent boxer, ruling the same division in the 2013 Asian Championships in Jordan, and being named AIBA’s Discovery of the Year.

Bautista failed to join Ladon in the semis but could still make it to the World Championships because six boxers in his division will be given tickets to Doha.