PLDT-ABAP NATIONAL BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP 2013 OPENS IN MAASIN CITY
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 19 Feb 2013
MAASIN CITY - The long-awaited National Boxing Championships opened Monday in this capital city of the province of Southern Leyte. It was attended by Ed Picson, the ABAP Executive Director who was with his wife Karina Picson, an AIBA-accredited jury/international technical official (ITO).
This writer welcomed the delegates and officials in behalf of the people of Maasin City. Congressman Roger Mercado of Southern Leyte also delivered an inspirational message. I cited the importance of the national sporting event to the economy of the city and in promoting its potentials including being the most peaceful city in Region 8.
Picson said that the new name for ABAP is Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines. The amateur tag was removed following AIBA's example of naming it simply International Boxing Association.
Cong. Mercado cited the unity of the city officials and provincial officials as the main reason for the successful hosting of the ABAP National Championships. This is the first national sporting event in Southern Leyte and the first national boxing championships in the entire Eastern Visayas.
Twenty four teams sent boxers which include Sorsogon, Tayabas, Zambales, La Union, and Iba-Zambales from Luzon; Mandaue, Cebu City, Bago City, Negros Occidental, Northern Samar, Tagbilaran, Leyte, and Maasin City from the Visayas; Davao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, General Santos, Aglayan, Davao City, Mati, Cabadbaran, Camiguin, Sarangani, Pacman Sarangani and Balingasag. There was a total of 132 boxers entered, including lady boxers.
The winners of the first day opening preliminary bouts are Junior boys Ibones (General Santos), Jeronil Borres (Misamis Oriental), Dick Espinola (Northern Samar), Aldrin Signar (Tayabas), Fernel Gaspi (Sorsogon), Jeffrey Estella (Mandaue), Jayson Ladrillo (Leyte), and Marvin Tabamo (MisOr), Youth boys Lou Alde (GenSan), Raymart Flores (Bago), Aldren Moreno (Pacman), Ryan Torres (La Union), Leonard Bulacan (Mati), Regged Angco (Maasin), and Elite boys Marvin Esquirdo (MisOr), Genesis Libranza (Cabadbaran), Allan Refuela (Cebu) and Jolan Bunghanoy (Davao del Norte).
Dante de Castro, president of the Amateur Boxing Referees and Judges Asociation of the Philippines (ABREJAP), was impressed of the preparations of the city including a standard boxing ring, nice hotel accommodations and up-to-date meal allowances for boxers and coaches.
The highlight of the opening ceremonies wowed the full-packed City Gym as the lighting of the flame and the urn was made Olympic style, complete with pyrotechnics. Prior to the opening program, there was a short parade. Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3 national winner Maasinhon Trio sang the prayer and serenades. The ABAP officials said it was the best opening ceremonies in the history of the National Boxing Championships.
Top photo (L-R): ABAP Executive Director Ed Picson, Mayor Maloney Samaco and Congressman Roger Mercado.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
NY Knicks Beat Sixers, Move Ahead 3-1; Clippers Tie Series With Mavericks
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 29 Apr 2024Lugay, Catubig win in 21K BLD Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 29 Apr 2024Panamanian legend Hilario Zapata inducted into the California Hall of Fame
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 29 Apr 2024FEDOR GORST WINS 2024 WORLD POOL MASTERS
Mon, 29 Apr 2024Megan Paragua wins back-to-back world titles in Albania
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 29 Apr 2024Asuela wins Gomez Jr. Birthday Chess Cup
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 29 Apr 2024JOSE RAMIREZ MAKES A WINNING STATEMENT IN GOLDN BOY DEBUT AGAINST RANCES BARTHELEMY IN FRONT OF HOMETOWN CROWD
Sun, 28 Apr 2024Boston Gets Back Versus Miami; Lakers Get One Against Denver
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 28 Apr 2024Lady Knights, Orlando-A win Panabo United Football Club
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Apr 202411-Year-Old Filipino-American Megan Paragua Makes History by Winning the World Cadet Rapid & Blitz Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 28 Apr 2024WORLD POOL MASTERS 2024 | DEFENDING CHAMPION KO PIN YI KNOCKS OUT WNT NO.1 FRANCISCO SANCHEZ IN QUARTER-FINAL
Sun, 28 Apr 2024Men whom Manny retired
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 28 Apr 2024Astrolabio waiting for fight date against Nakatani
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Apr 2024Saludar to fight for WBO Oriental title
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 28 Apr 2024Former Unified World Champion Marlon Tapales Looks Forward to His Homecoming Bout at Midas Hotel and Casino in Manila, Philippines
Sat, 27 Apr 2024