Boxers await qualifying draw
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 21 May 2024
L-R: Ladon, Paalam, Laurente and Bacyadan.
Four intrepid boxers hoping to represent the Philippines in the coming Paris Olympics are awaiting the draw for the final world qualifiers set in Bangkok on May 24-June 2. ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo arrives in the Thai capital today to join the team and will submit the fighters’ documents to the organizers for the entry checks tomorrow before the draw the next day. Action begins on Friday. ABAP chairman Ricky Vargas will attend the hostilities this weekend.
The four boxers are Rogen Ladon (51kg), Carlo Paalam (57g), Criztian Pitt Laurente (63.5kg) and Hergie Bacyadan (75kg). Early qualifiers are Eumir Marcial (80kg), Nesthy Petecio (57kg) and Aira Villegas (50kg). Five Olympic slots are available in Laurente’s weight class while four are up for grabs where Ladon and Bacyadan compete. Three tickets are at stake in Paalam’s division.
“We chose to send only four to Bangkok to focus on the fighters with the best chances not only to qualify but to go all the way to Paris and win medals,” said Manalo. “They’ve been in Bangkok since May 5 so they’re well adjusted to local conditions. Eumir, Nesthy and Aira are also in Bangkok for training. Pitt is transitioning back from the pros and we’re optimistic of his chances with five slots available in his weight class.”
From Bangkok, the boxing team will return to Manila for those who are bound for Paris to apply for Schengen visas. Manalo said if time allows, he plans to arrange a camp in Uzbekistan from 10 days to two weeks before leaving for Metz, France, with the rest of the Philippine delegation on June 22. “Uzbekistan qualified male boxers in every Olympic division and we can learn a lot from them, their training methods, culture, style,” said Manalo. “If ever, it’ll be a joint effort between Uzbekistan and us. Their boxers in the A, B and C categories are all world-class. We can bring whatever we learn to Paris.”
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
OLYMPIC BOXING 4: 1924 OLYMPICS AT PARIS, FRANCE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed UTP National Team Shines at 40th Penang Open, Captures Multiple Titles
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC 63th Annual Convention Opens in Bangkok
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor closing out a strong 2026
Tue, 02 Dec 2025USA Boxing Announces Partnership with Xempower USA
Tue, 02 Dec 2025THE RING 6: TEOFIMO-SHAKUR SET FOR JANUARY SHOWDOWN IN NEW YORK
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Undefeated Middleweight Dante Kirkman Set to Return December 11 in Costa Mesa
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Dejon Farrell Francis Turning Things Around
Tue, 02 Dec 2025WBC Light Heavyweight Champion David 'The Mexican Monster' Benavidez Excited About History-Making Cinco De Mayo Showdown with Gilberto Ramirez
Tue, 02 Dec 2025PPV.COM RETURNS TO THE RING LIVE STREAMING ALL-ACTION TITLE TILT ISAAC "PITBULL" CRUZ vs. LAMONT ROACH, JR
Tue, 02 Dec 2025Llover Eyes Winner of Salas-Ngexeke IBF Title Duel in Mexico
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 01 Dec 2025Jimuel draws in pro debut
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 01 Dec 2025Kevin Durant sets new NBA record
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 01 Dec 2025LAZARO LORENZANA CAPTURES WBC REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE OVER LUIS ARIAS
Sun, 30 Nov 2025Paras fails bid for IBO world super fly title
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 30 Nov 2025