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:
Bam Rodriguez vs Antonio Vargas & Martinez vs Cardenas Preview and Picks
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 13 Jun 2026Popper vs. Seldon Jr. Official Weights for June 13 in Atlantic City
Sat, 13 Jun 2026GLENDALE, AZ FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR BAM VS VARGAS – LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 13 Jun 2026Undefeated Middleweight Amir Anderson Meets Jonas Sylvain in Battle of Unbeatens on DAZN
Sat, 13 Jun 2026Munsayac, Celones get FMA award
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Jun 2026Weigh-In Results for Sanman 101: Laurente Eyes Home Victory
Fri, 12 Jun 2026Arleah Cassandra Sapuan of Valencia, Negros finishes ninth in Las Vegas chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 12 Jun 2026EVERY WORD FROM THE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE AHEAD OF BAM VS. VARGAS IN GLENDALE, ARIZONA
Fri, 12 Jun 2026IBA President warns Olympic movement will fade unless IOC rewards athletes and reforms now
Fri, 12 Jun 20262026 NBA Finals: Knicks Rally from 29 Points Down to Steal Game 4 from Spurs 107-106
By Reylan Loberternos, Thu, 11 Jun 2026VARGAS: BEATING BAM MAKES ME ‘THE MAN’
Thu, 11 Jun 2026Pound-for-Pound Puerto Rican Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo Hosts Media Workout Ahead of June 20 Defense Against Philippines’ Joey Canoy
Thu, 11 Jun 2026Sanman 101 boxing event to push through in General Santos
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 11 Jun 2026Panamanian female champ star Nataly Delgado ready to beat Artiga for WBA title in Orlando, Florida
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 11 Jun 2026Pedro Veitia Eager to Separate Himself in Battle of Unbeaten Middleweight Prospects June 13 in Orlando
Thu, 11 Jun 2026