ABAP ready to host nixed Wuhan event

MANILA, Philippines — With the Asia and Oceania Olympic boxing qualifier in Wuhan, China already cancelled due to health issue, the Association of the Boxing Alliances in the Philippines has reiterated its offer to the International Olympic Committee boxing task force to host the event.

ABAP secretary-general Ed Picson yesterday said the focus now is wooing the task force headed by world gymnastics president Morinari Watanabe to give the hosting rights to the Philippines, which successfully hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games last December.

With the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Picson said they have sent a letter to Watanabe even before the cancellation and he is hopeful they could get the nod to host the meet.

“Mikee (Jaworski) assured she would remind Watanabe of our offer,” said Picson of the expected support from Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, the country’s representative to the IOC.

“The IOC Boxing Task Force noted today’s (Wednesday) decision of the local organizing committee to cancel the Asia Oceania Tokyo 2020 Boxing Qualifying Event which was due to take place in Wuhan from Feb. 3-14, amid growing concerns in relation to the coronavirus outbreak reported in the city,” Watanabe said in a statement.

The task force, however, did not mention as to where and when the competition will resume.

“The Task Force continues to work closely with the Chinese Olympic Committee and all partners to explore alternatives and will immediately inform National Olympic Committees, National Federations and officials on any development,” he said.