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:
'THE COMEBACK' IS CONFIRMED: AJ RETURNS TO RIYADH ON JULY 25 AS HEAVYWEIGHT ICON FACES KRSITIAN PRENGA – LIVE ON DAZN
Tue, 28 Apr 2026SANDOVAL vs YAFAI UNIFICATION WORLD TITLE FIGHT TOPS THE BILL IN SHEFFIELD ON JUNE 6 – LIVE ON DAZN – AS DALTON SMITH IS SIDELINED
Tue, 28 Apr 2026IBA Global Boxing Series 2026 – India Edition delivers landmark night of professional boxing in Mumbai
Tue, 28 Apr 2026Xander Zayas Signs Multi-Year Extension with Top Rank
Tue, 28 Apr 2026Victor Wembanyama ties Shaquille O'Neal's Playoff Points-Rebounds-Blocks Record
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 28 Apr 2026Pinoy chesser bags gold in China tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 28 Apr 2026MELBOURNE FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL AS NICOLSON TAKES ON TURNER FOR THE WBC INTERIM WORLD TITLE
Mon, 27 Apr 2026‘I’m coming to put on a performance—something exciting, something real. Don’t blink – The Black Hulk Bilal Seidu is back May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Mon, 27 Apr 2026Fil-Am Brandon Kier Sustento strikes again in US chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 27 Apr 2026Llover nears title shot
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 27 Apr 2026All Star Boxing, Inc. Signs Undefeated Japanese Prospect Yuga Ozaki to Multi-Year Promotional Agreement
Mon, 27 Apr 2026Labog rules Okada Manila Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 27 Apr 2026Dacullo Edges Cometa in Thriller, Remains GAB Philippine Youth Minimum weight Champion
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 27 Apr 2026SKYE NICOLSON FIRES WARNING TO MARIAH TURNER AS SHE TARGETS HOMECOMING WIN THIS WEDNESDAY IN BID TO LAND UNDISPUTED SHOT
Mon, 27 Apr 2026Salim Ellis-Bey Concludes 2026 World Boxing Cup - Stage 1 with Silver Medal
Mon, 27 Apr 2026