GOOD LUCK, NEW ABAP
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 11 Jan 2009
The fresh Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) organization signals a brighter future for amateur boxing in our country, considered as a boxing power in Asia and the world. Boxing is one good sport we can excel internationally and we have proven it many times in the past.
Professional boxing now basks in the limelight capped by the great victories of Manny Pacquiao and three other world champions Nonito Donaire, Jr., Gerry Pe?alosa and Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes. But amateur boxing pales in comparison as Filipino boxers failed to win an Olympic medal since the dramatic Mansueto ?Onyok? Velasco silver-medal finish in Atlanta in 1996.
Manny Lopez stepped down as ABAP President and turned over the reign to the new chairman Manny Pangilinan and the new president Ricky Vargas. Before the year ended, as the new management was about to take over the ABAP helm, Harry Ta?amor, a failure in the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics, won the light flyweight gold medal in the Boxing World Cup in Moscow, Russia.
The 31-year-old Ta?amor dominated the favored Cuban Yampier Hernandez, 15-7, in the finals of the initial staging of the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) World Cup for the top eight fighters of the world in the different weight categories.
This is an indicator that ABAP is well on its drive to bring back the glory to the amateurs. And with the planned regionalized training of the national pool of boxers, expect the methodical preparations of our amateur fighters to penetrate to the grass roots.
With the national championships and congress to be held in Bacolod City on January 16 ? 24, delegates and participants are looking forward to an invigorated ABAP which could discover fresh talents among rising boxers.
Another big challenge for the new ABAP is to hold great name fighters from turning professional as the lure of the big time promotions with gigantic purses will continuously entice the more talented boxers.
ABAP Southern Leyte Chapter, with yours truly as the chapter president, is sending boxers and delegates to the national congregation in Bacolod. We want to contribute our share to revive the dream of bringing back the splendor of amateur boxing. ABAP Southern Leyte wishes the new ABAP management all the luck. Go for the Olympic Gold!
Top Photo: Amateur boxing fight in Maasin City, Southern Leyte.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Martin dares Inoue, Casimero
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 07 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 6 JULY 2026: Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell in 12; Carrington Outpoints Palacios; Wins by Mossely, Sadjo, El Hadri.
By Eric Armit, Tue, 07 Jul 2026Quiñonero to fight again on August 28
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 07 Jul 2026MannyPay Global Launches U.S. Merchant Processing Division to Help Small Businesses Lower Payment Costs and Accelerate Growth
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Murat Gassiev to face Peter Kadiru for the WBA Heavyweight world title
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Bansilan, Tan rule Faith Run
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Teremoana and new Matchroom Boxing signing Zerafa confirmed for big August 12 card in Australia
Mon, 06 Jul 2026Jayson Vayson Returns to World Rankings
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Yor beats Salisad in technical decision, wants rematch
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026War, Chess, and Writs: Why Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II is Postponed, Not Scrapped
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Nabunturan wins 3-on-3 MMA
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Clarion, Yanon suffer KO losses in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell To Defend Lightweight Crown
Sun, 05 Jul 2026CARLO BIADO IS THE 2026 INDONESIA INTERNATIONAL OPEN CHAMPION
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Fight options for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 05 Jul 2026