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:
NOTHING BUT SPORTZ PRESENTS GAMBOA & RIGONDEAUX — MAY 2 IN MIAMI ONE NIGHT. SAME CARD. HAVANA HEAT
Mon, 06 Apr 2026Wilkens Mathieu Against Olympic Medallist Esquiva Falcao at the Théâtre Capitole of Quebec City on June 11!
Mon, 06 Apr 2026National Master Jasper Faeldonia rules Romblon chessfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 06 Apr 2026Twin wins for Pinoy boxers
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 05 Apr 2026NM Buto spearheads Goldland Chess Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 05 Apr 2026Andreas Cortes vs Eridson Garcia Tops Paramount Plus Card
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 05 Apr 2026Chris "Sandman" Thomas Back in the Win Column
Sun, 05 Apr 2026Taduran Stops Pérez in 7, and “Still” IBF 105 Champion
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 04 Apr 2026Pedro Taduran Scores Sensational Stoppage Over Gustavo PÉRez ÁLvarez in IBF Minimumweight World Championship Main Event
Sat, 04 Apr 2026BROWN STOPS DUCAR TO LAND FIRST PRO TITLES
Sat, 04 Apr 2026Guy Jutras, a gentleman and pilgrim of world boxing, passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 04 Apr 2026GM Joey Antonio keeps Philippine flag alive, posts hard-earned win in Canberra chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 04 Apr 2026TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS CONFIRMED FOR ‘GLORY IN GIZA’ UNDERCARD
Sat, 04 Apr 2026MANSOUR AND BALLO MAKE WAVES WITH UNPRECEDENTED OPEN WORKOUT ABOARD CITY CRUISES ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER AHEAD OF SD FIGHT NIGHT: FAMILY BUSINESS
Sat, 04 Apr 2026Rookie Kon Knueppel breaks Charlotte Hornets three points record
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 04 Apr 2026