MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines stands a good chance of winning the overall championship of the 30th SEA Games boxing competitions, but Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines secretary-general Ed Picson would rather show guarded optimism than proclaim total dominance of the hosts.
“We’re in a very good place, what with the hometown crowd behind us and our boxers peaking just in time,” said Picson.
The boxing official quashed the notion that the team will be shooting for a sweep of the 13 gold medals at stake.
“I won’t stick my neck out and say anything close to that,” said Picson.
Heading the boxing team are World Championship and two-time SEA Games gold medalist Eumir Felix Marcial (middleweight, 75 kg) and John Tupas-Marvin (light heavyweight, 81 kg), who will be shooting for his second straight SEA Games gold.
Also in the line up are Carlo Paalam (light flyweight, 49 kg), Rogen Ladon (flyweight, 52 kg), Ian Clark Bautista (bantamweight, 56 kg) , Charly Suarez (lightweight, 60 kg), James Palicte (light welterweight, 64 kg) and Joel Bacho (welterweight, 69 kg).
In the distaff side will be Josie Gabuco (light flyweight, 48 kg), Irish Magno (flyweight, 48 kg), Aira Villegas (bantamweight, 54 kg), Nesthy Petecio (featherweight, 57 kg) and Risa Pasuit (lightweight, 60 kg).