Again, a pained cry for change
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 13 Aug 2012
HERMIE Rivera, producer of two Filipino world boxing champions, is in a revolting mood.
He has been clamoring for change, instant and meaningful change, in the national amateur boxing backyard.
?How come nothing is said from your end about ABAP?s retiring for keeps the dregs plaguing the boxing program, as institutionalized by its current crop of incompetent officials??
By Abap, Rivera means the new set of boxing leaders who had their first taste of Olympic competition in London.
**
It?s quite obvious this new Abap failed to meet Rivera?s standards.
?The mission would be more relevant and productive if we could have those truly qualified (everybody?s wish) run the program,? he advised.
How?
?We need honest and competent people, in the league of the late Gene Puyat, those who are willing to serve and sacrifice for the sake of the sport, and not just to junket and perpetuate themselves in office.?
Rivera decried the faulty talent discovery program and referred this reporter to a masterful advisory written by the respected chronicler Edwin Espejo.
**
Of course, it had been explained to Rivera how this reporter has through the years been harking on the right approach to Olympic training and participation, like embracing the proper philosophy and outlook, not to mention opting for perfect physique and measurement, and not just look for readily available talents before blindly preparing them for the Olympic assault.
The Olympics, after all, is not just another glory bid, it?s a stab at perfection and nobility, both of the body and the human spirit.
Anyway, for starters, chronicler Espejo said there should be honest efforts to prevent international sporting campaigns from slipping repeatedly into another diagnosis:
?We cannot even top the lowly Southeast Asian Games. Boxing badly needs a face lift if the country hopes to again barge into the Olympic medal board.?
He added: ?Boxing needs more than just PLDT and MVP. Sports official heading Abap need to think beyond what they are doing right now. Abap needs to lay down a comprehensive program for amateur boxing. We need to plot our program and measure our success, if we are growing or retrogressing in every qualifying tournament.?
**
He said the Philippines cannot just look for talents, like those from the ALA Stable in Cebu, where many prospect are recruited for the training pool.
?They should have at least 20 aspirants per weight division who could be scouted in regular local tournaments. They should be trained young with emphasis on height.
Abap should see to it that our boxers are not more than two inches shorter than the average height of opposition in their bracket. This way they could be more competent and honestly competitive. We cannot hope to send midgets and hope to succeed. Skills alone will not help us win the gold. We also need well-fed, well-educated well-inspired athletes.
Not only that.
?Maybe it?s time to inject new faces in the Abap leadership, many of those heading the regional chapters (of Abap) have been there for more than 20 years Time for them to give way to young, dynamic and bold leaders who will not be beholden to the exigency and expediency of politics.?
Photo: Lone Philipine boxing Olympic qualifier Mark Anthony Barriga is being muscled by Kazakhstan's Birzhan Zhakypov during the second round of light flyweight action in which Barriga lost to Zhakypov by a heartbreaking score of 16-17.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 8 SEPTEMBER 2025: Nunez Outpoints Diaz; Iglesias Stops Shishkin; Valdez, Conlan Register Wins in Return
By Eric Armit, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dante Kirkman Stays Undefeated Triumphing with Dominant Unanimous Decision Win
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Dream fight for Steven Sumpter vs. Undefeated Bek Nurmaganbet This Wednesday at Fontainebleau Las Vegas during ‘Canelo vs. Crawford’ Week
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Yoseline Perez and Malachi Georges Advance to Quarterfinals with Wins on Day Five of World Boxing Championships
Tue, 09 Sep 2025GM candidate Ronald Dableo's squad rules Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso Inter-Barangay Chess Team Tournament, pockets P150,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Saggap, Manayon top Heritage Aquathlon
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 09 Sep 2025Rizal Memorial Coliseum: The Arena That Endured War and Forged Generations of Filipino Greats
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 09 Sep 2025“The Homecoming” turned into Coronation for Marco Romero
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz Speaks After Pushing Eduardo Nunez to the Limit in Thrilling War – A Potential Fight of the Year
Tue, 09 Sep 2025Santisima Wins But Vicelles Loses; Suarez-Navarrete Rematch Hangs in the Balance?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 08 Sep 2025Locked & loaded for Lewis Crocker rematch, Paddy Donovan has prepared to be crowned the new IBF Welterweight World Champion
Mon, 08 Sep 2025Robby Gonzales Advances to Round of 16 with Win Over Cuba
Mon, 08 Sep 2025James Padua rules Marikina rapid chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 08 Sep 2025Remembering Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde: A Pilgrimage of Gratitude
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sun, 07 Sep 2025Hometown Triumph: Oscar Valdez Defeats Ricky Medina by Decision
Sun, 07 Sep 2025