THE quest for additional Olympic berths at the Paris Summer Games begins for four Filipino boxers, led by 2020 Tokyo Olympiad silver medalist Carlo Paalam, in Bangkok, Thailand.
The winner of the second World Olympic Qualifying Tournament will join early qualifiers worldwide, including Tokyo bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial, Tokyo silver medalist Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas.
Paalam is set to face Greece’s Alexeir Lagkazasvili in the 57kg men’s division on May 24, with subsequent bouts on May 28, 30, 31, and June 1 and 2, if necessary.
On May 25, Rogen Ladon will take on Rafael Serrano Lozano of Spain in the 51kg class, with additional fights on May 30 and 31, and June 2.
Criztian Pitt Laurente will compete in the 63.5 kg category on May 26 against Kazakhstan’s Mukhammedsabyr Bazarbay Uulu, needing a win to stay in contention for bouts on May 28, 29, and 31, and June 1 and 2.
On Day 4 of the competition, Hergie Bacyadan will face Spain’s Dunia Mas Martinez in the 75kg division, with further bouts scheduled for June 1 and 2.
Don Abnett, the Olympic coaching consultant of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), expressed optimism about Ladon and Bacyadan's draw.
ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think we had a good draw overall. Pitt Laurente has the most challenging route since his first bout is against a Kazakh. But I fully believe in his capability to get it done.”
Manalo also noted that Paalam would need to win five bouts to secure an Olympic quota, but he is confident in Paalam’s readiness. Ladon needs four wins, and Bacyadan three, to qualify.
“These four have a very good chance of qualifying here in Bangkok,” Manalo added.
Guarding against complacency
ABAP men’s coach Ronald Chavez cautioned against complacency despite the favorable draw, emphasizing that all competitors have prepared extensively.
“Sa tingin ko maganda ang draw nina Ladon at Hergie pero hindi sila dapat sila makapante kasi lahat yan, nag-prepare.
“Kina Carlo at Pitt, medyo mabigat pero nakita ko dito na maganda ang kilos nila sa nakaraang sparring nila.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
