MANILA – The Philippine boxing team is optimistic about their chances at the Paris Olympics, aiming to surpass their impressive performance at the Tokyo Games.
At a recent Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, ABAP secretary-general Marcus Jarwin Manalo expressed confidence in the five qualified boxers: Nesthy Petecio (women’s 57kg), Aira Villegas (women’s 50kg), Hergie Bacyadan (women’s 75kg), Carlo Paalam (men’s 57kg), and Eumir Marcial (men’s 80kg).
“These athletes have a strong chance to podium,” Manalo noted.
Petecio and Paalam previously secured silver medals, and Marcial won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics.
Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Petecio remarked, “The competition is tougher now, with more exposure and training opportunities. It won’t be as easy as some might think.”
The team, along with coaches Don Abnett, Reynaldo Galido, and Ronald Chavez, will embark on a month-long training camp in Metz, France, starting June 22. They will then head to Germany on August 1 for additional training with other Olympic contenders.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann attended the forum, extending his best wishes to the athletes for their Paris campaign.
(el Amigo/mnm)