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:
Fiery Exchange at Fanatics Fest: Garcia and Benn Nearly Brawl in New York Ahead of Sept. 12 Title Clash
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Tue, 21 Jul 2026John Michael Zulueta Headlines in Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 21 Jul 2026Results from Dominican Republic: Alberto Puello Stops Ángel Bolaño in 3
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 21 Jul 2026Matchroom Boxing reveals major fights in UK & Ireland schedule from August to October
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Colombia National Congress Awarded "Kid Pambelé" with Grand Cross Knight
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 21 Jul 2026MILO Marathon returns to Davao on August 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 21 Jul 2026PHILBOXING.COM WEEKEND ROUNDUP: News, Fallout, and the Long Shadow of Sydney
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , Tue, 21 Jul 2026Joe Hand Promotions Secures Commercial Rights for Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu Showdown
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Grandy Twins Head to Tampa to Learn from Hall of Famers Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright Ahead of August 14 Homecoming Fight
Tue, 21 Jul 2026Matchroom Extends Brentwood Town Fc Partnership as Principle Partner for Next Five Years as Barry Hearn Obe Provides Significant Investment to Non-League Football Club
Tue, 21 Jul 2026IBA Pro announces departure of Director Al Siesta
Mon, 20 Jul 2026Suarez sends strong signal
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 20 Jul 2026THE CORNER SHIFT: Can Ronnie Shields Rebuild Errol Spence Jr. After the Derrick James Fallout?
By T. Chin-Te, Mon, 20 Jul 2026Yusniel Abrahante Shocks Undefeated Luis Coria in Dominant Performance Live on ProBox TV
Sun, 19 Jul 2026Salamov stops Suarez as Borshchev beats Brito at historic IBA Bare Knuckle US debut
Sun, 19 Jul 2026