Vargas eyes at least two boxing golds
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 24 Jul 2024
OSAKA. PBA chairman Ricky Vargas was here to preside in the league’s annual planning meeting but during a break, wore a different hat the other day when as ABAP president, he spoke about his expectations of the five-strong Philippine boxing team in the Paris Olympics.
“Minimum two golds,” said Vargas. “Podium finishes for all five are very possible. They’re prepared, they’re ready. They went through a lot to get to where they are, to represent the country in the Olympics.” The fighting five are lightheavyweight (80kg) Eumir Marcial, featherweight (57kg) Carlo Paalam, lightflyweight (50kg) Aira Villegas, featherweight (57kg) Nesthy Petecio and middleweight (75kg) Hergie Bacyadan.
Marcial, 28, earned his ticket by making it to the final of the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year while Villegas, 28, and Petecio, 32, got their passes at the first World Qualifying Tournament in Italy last March. Paalam, 25 and Bacyadan, 29 booked their slots at the second World Qualifying Tournament in Bangkok last June.
Australian coach Don Abnett is the team’s chief strategist and scout. Filipino coaches Ronald Chavez and Gerson Nietes will focus on Marcial and Bacyadan while Reynaldo Galido and Mitchel Martinez will take care of Villegas and Petecio. Elmer Pamisa is in charge of his long-time protégé Paalam. Vargas said coordination with Abnett is essential to make sure instructions are communicated clearly particularly during round intervals.
“In Bangkok, Carlo beat five fighters in seven days, each one a do-or-die,” said Vargas. “I recall he fought twice within 12 hours. He got a silver in the Tokyo Olympics. Now, he’s going for gold. Nesthy is 32 and probably fighting in her last Olympics. Like Carlo, she won a silver in Tokyo and I think it’s her time to get the gold. Hergie was amazing in Bangkok, winning three in a row. She beat some of the world’s best, including Hungary’s world youth U19 champion Veronika Nakota, originally from Ukraine. Hergie’s power is incredible. She goes straight in, she’s not too skillful but her power is overwhelming. Eumir took a bronze in Tokyo and he’s up for the gold. Aira is the least known of the five but don’t count her out.”
Boxing in the Paris Olympics begins July 27 and ends Aug. 11 when Paalam and Petecio go for gold if they make it all the way to the final.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
5 Pinoy boxers to fight in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 03 Apr 2025Transatlantic Clash II - "Battle at the Bridge"
Thu, 03 Apr 2025Marco “El Tiburón” Romero moving up to scheduled 6-round bout next
Thu, 03 Apr 2025Filipino chess phenom wins at Spring Blitz Chess Championship in Dubai
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 03 Apr 2025Team USA Advances Two More Boxers to Medal Rounds at World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025
Thu, 03 Apr 2025IM Bagamasbad eyes GM title in Australian Chess Circuit
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 03 Apr 2025SAMPSON BOXING SIGNS TOP UNDEFEATED LIGHT FLYWEIGHT CONTENDER ERICK BADILLO TO CO-PROMOTIONAL CONTRACT
Thu, 03 Apr 2025TURKISH KNOCKOUT ARTIST ELIF NUR TURHAN PENS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH MATCHROOM
Thu, 03 Apr 2025The Past Week in Action 31 March 2025: Norman Stops Cuevas in 3; Mayer Outpoints Ryan; Zepeda Edges Farmer; Collazo Stops Cano; Yabuki KOs Ayala
By Eric Armit, Wed, 02 Apr 2025Wild and Wooly Wind-up Seen in West Top 3-6
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 02 Apr 2025Rise of the Samurai: Inoue vs Nakatani in 2026
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 02 Apr 2025Undefeated super middleweight prospect Tommy Hyde a true Irish Road Warrior In Australia for April 11th fight
Wed, 02 Apr 2025Melvin the Avenger
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 02 Apr 2025WORLD-RANKED LIGHTWEIGHT ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI TO FACE ALBERTO GUEVARA IN MAIN EVENT OF FISTS OF FURY 6
Wed, 02 Apr 2025Carlos Flowers Shines on Day One for Team USA in World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025
Wed, 02 Apr 2025