DESPITE LOSING, BARRIGA AND SALUDAR CAN STILL QUALIFY FOR LONDON OLYMPICS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 05 Oct 2011
The fate of light flyweight Mark Anthony Barriga and 2010 Asian Games gold medalist Rey Saludar in qualifying for the 2012 London Olympic Games lies in the hands of the two fighters who beat them in the quarter finals of the AIBA World Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines president Ricky Vargas told philboxing.com and insidesports.ph that should Chinese Olympic and World Champion Zou Shiming and America?s two-time Olympian Rau? Shee Warren enter the finals in Baku then both Barriga and Saludar automatically qualify for the Olympics.
Although he was disappointed with the failure of our boxers to win outright and to have to depend on others to earn a slot for our boxers, Vargas said ?All is not lost. Keep the faith.?
However, he told us ?I am personally disappointed. Maybe its time for a leadership change. We just could not deliver. Still hoping though.?
There will be an Asian qualifying tournament in Kazakhstan in March next year along with a women?s qualifying meet.
Zou scored an impressive 12-5 win over the 18 year old Barriga who gave away several inches in height and reach to the skilled Chinese boxer who took the opening round 4-1 to set the tone of the bout.
Zou edged Barriga 3-2 in the second round before piling up the points in the third 5-2 to win handily
Saludar was outclassed by America?s two-time Olympian and 2007 World champion Rau? Shee Warren in a third round bout in Baku.
With the impressive victory Warren marked his place in the history books as the first U.S. boxer ever to qualify for three Olympic Games.
The US Amateur boxing website said Warren was ?clearly on a mission in his third round contest with Rey Saludar of the Philippines. The 24-year-old American started the bout on fire, peppering the unprepared Saludar with lightning quick combinations in the opening round. His efforts earned Warren a 7-2 lead after the first round. ?
The report said Saludar attempted to adjust to Warren?s tremendous hand speed in the second round but had no answers as Warren moved out to 16-8 lead with one round remaining. He continued to add to his lead over the final three minutes to win a 22-12 final decision and clinch a berth in a historic third Olympic Games.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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