Mobile Home | Desktop Version




Pro boxer bids for Paris slot

By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 13 May 2024


Laurente.

Criztian Pitt Laurente is putting his pro boxing career on hold to bid for a slot in the Paris Olympics and will join Carlo Paalam, Rogen Ladon and Hergie Bacyadan in the final World Qualifiers in Bangkok on May 23-June 3. There are 51 Olympic tickets left for boxing, 28 men and 23 women, in 13 weight divisions.

Laurente (63.5kg) is now in Bangkok with Paalam (57kg), Ladon (51kg), Bacyadan (75kg) and coaches Don Abnett, Elmer Pamisa, Reynaldo Galido and Mitchel Martinez. Also with the team are early Olympic qualifiers Eumir Marcial (80kg), Nesthy Petecio (57kg) and Aira Villegas (50kg). ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo and coach Ronald Chavez will later fly to the Thai capital for the Qualifiers.

A southpaw, Laurente turned pro in 2019 after a distinguished amateur career where he won gold medals at the 2012 and 2014 Palarong Pambansa, 2016 Philippine National Games and 2016 Children of Asia International Games in Yakutsk, Russia and bronze at the 2018 World Youth Championships in Budapest, Hungary. His pro record is 12-0, with seven KOs.

Laurente said it’s been his dream to represent the country in the Olympics since he was in elementary school. “Malaki ang adjustment sa pag-balik ng amateur since five years ako nawala sa national team,” he said. “Di ko pa muna isipin pag-balik sa pro kasi sobrang focus ako sa Olympic goal.” Manalo said he invited Laurente to try out for the Asian Games last year. “Pitt couldn’t commit that time then expressed interest at the start of this year, did a box-off against (Mark Ashley) Fajardo after the first World Qualifiers and won,” said Manalo. “All four boxers in Bangkok have a good chance of qualifying for Paris.”


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.

Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani Look Awesome During Today's Presscon; Ready for Saturday's Historic Tokyo Dome Showdown!
    By Carlos Costa, Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Santig is IBF Promoter for Asia 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Jerusalem Arrives Early in Johannesburg Ahead of May 16 Title Defense
    Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Confirmed Mayhem: Casimero vs Nery June 6 in Japan! (Long Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Vicelles is OPBF light fly champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • WBC Commemorative belt ¨Tollan Tlatequi¨ at stake on Benavidez-Ramirez super fight
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Toro’s Talented Trio of Prospects Fighting in Mexico on May 15th
    Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • CONAH WALKER READY FOR AN ALL-OUT WAR AGAINST MIDLANDS RIVAL SAM EGGINGTON IN HIS HOMETOWN WOLVERHAMPTON – LIVE ON DAZN
    Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • IBA.PRO Champions Night in Saint Petersburg postponed due to unforeseen circumstances
    Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • 20th Philippine Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Open on May 1
    By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • MELBOURNE FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS
    Thu, 30 Apr 2026
  • Vicelles Decisions Diaz, Claims OPBF 108-lb Belt in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Stars feted at Pacquiao/Elorde Awards Night
    By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • Magramo banners Blow-By-Blow show
    Wed, 29 Apr 2026
  • IBA Bare Knuckle сard сonfirmed for St. Petersburg: IBA.PRO Champions Night
    Wed, 29 Apr 2026