Piscon elected president of Philippine’s top boxing body

CEBU, Philippines — From longtime executive director and secretary-general to president.

This is the well-deserved promotion of highly esteemed sportsman Ed Picson in the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) hierarchy.

During its regular elections held virtually last Thursday, the ABAP unanimously elected Picson as its new president.

Outgoing president Ricky Vargas, the mastermind behind Phl boxing’s historic three-medal haul in the Tokyo Olympics this year and who now assumes the ABAP chairmanship, was the one who nominated Picson for the top post.

“I am honored to turn the baton over to Ed as my successor. He is the most qualified and deserving for the position. Ed is a principled and honest man who believes in good governance, cares very much for our boxers and is hands on. I am confident he will bring ABAP to the next level,” said Vargas.

Also elected unanimously were Deputy Speaker Robbie Puno as vice president and former Congressman Raul Daza as vice chairman.

Picson, a veteran sportscaster and newspaper columnist, felt happy and proud on the honor bestowed upon him.

“ Iam humbled by the trust and confidence reposed in me. The results in the last Olympics, where Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam won silvers and Eumir Marcial got bronze, will be a tough act to follow. But our boxers, coaches and support staff assure me they are all up to the task. We vow not to let the country down,” Picson said.

As per the National Sports Association’s bylaws, the secretary-general and treasurer will be appointed by the incoming president. Picson said he will do so in their first board meeting within a week.