ABAP tests boxers in Bulgaria
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 18 Feb 2023
Who will make it to the Philippine boxing team at the Cambodia SEA Games in May may be determined by the performance of 10 fighters seeing action in the 74th Strandja International Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, starting today until Feb. 27. ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo said yesterday most of the boxers will compete in Cambodia even as he’s leaving the door open for five-time SEA Games gold medalist Josie Gabuco, 2019 SEA Games silver medalist Riza Pasuit and 2017 SEA Games gold medalist John Marvin to qualify.
The team vying for honors in Bulgaria is composed of Marvin Tabamo (51 kg), Carlo Paalam (54 kg), Junmilardo Ogayre (57 kg), Paul Bascon (60 kg) and James Palicte (63.5 kg) for men and Cleo Tesara (48 kg), Aira Villegas (50 kg), Irish Magno (52 kg), Maricel de la Torre (54 kg) and Nesthy Petecio (57 kg) for women.
Manalo said Tokyo Olympic silver medalists Paalam and Petecio will lead the charge. “We’re waiting for Josie and Riza to come back from military training at the end of the month,” he noted. “John will try out for the men’s 80 kg spot whether Eumir (Marcial) comes back or not. John used to compete at 81 kg for us and Eumir at 75 kg. But the SEA Games, Asian Games and Olympics removed the 75 kg division so Eumir will need to go up to 80 kg. The next weight below is 71 kg. I don’t know if that will be a factor in Eumir’s decision but he’s still a force to reckon with at 80 kg, if ever.”
Manalo said Marcial remains in the national training pool. “We haven’t gotten official word from Eumir,” he said. “Since he entered the pros, naghihintay kami sa plano niya whether he will rejoin the national team or not. Obviously, we want him to rejoin us, he is a top talent. But if he has other plans moving forward, it’s perfectly fine with us. He’s brought a lot of honor to the country already.”
Marvin, 30, turned pro last year and has chalked up two wins by a first round knockout. His mother Teresita Tupas is from Pampanga while father John, Sr. is a retired English professional singer, former cruise director and yacht master. “I had a couple of fights for a different organization in England but now my focus is on the SEA Games,” said Marvin who was the only boxer on the Philippine squad to miss a podium finish at the 2019 SEA Games, losing a split decision to Vietnam’s Dinh Hoang Truong after breaking his right hand and suffering a shock knockdown in the first round. Now, Marvin’s ready to return with a vengeance. Manalo said two-time SEA Games gold medalist and 2016 Olympian Rogen Ladon would’ve joined the team in Bulgaria but pulled out after complaining of pain in his foot.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
WEIGHTS FROM PROBOXTV’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
Fri, 21 Nov 2025JC Chavez Jr to return in January 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 20 Nov 2025Houston Rockets Subdue Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-104, Gain Tie for 2nd in the West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 20 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 1: 1904 OLYMPICS AT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 20 Nov 2025Pacquiao, Nine Other Pinoys in Latest Ring Ratings
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 20 Nov 2025QUOTES FROM MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS LOS ANGELES OPEN WORKOUT AT WILD CARD BOXING CLUB AND LAS VEGAS OPEN WORKOUT AHEAD OF NOV. 29 FIGHT NIGHT AT PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
Thu, 20 Nov 2025Super Featherweight Sluggers ‘Tsendy’ Erdenebat and Abraham Montoya Agree to Meet in Short-Notice Co-Featured Bout on Proboxtv’s Friday Night Fights
Thu, 20 Nov 2025Cartagenas, Yu top 4th DCHS Fun Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 20 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 NOVEMBER 2025: Espinosa Defeats Khegai; Benn Gets Even With Eubank Jnr; Catterall Stops Essuman
By Eric Armit, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Paras to challenge Malajika for IBO World super flyweight title on Nov. 29 in South Africa
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Lebron James is first player to play 23 seasons in NBA history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres is SJDM Woodpusher Society 3X3 Rapid Chess Tournament Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 19 Nov 2025RUN IT BACK! GOLDEN BOY KICKS OFF 2026 FIGHT SCHEDULE WITH NIGHT OF HIGH STAKES REMATCHES
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Boxlab Promotions “Night of Champions XIII” Undercard Bouts Announced
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Porres-Narukami fight moved to Nov. 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025