MANILA -- A consistent medal mine in international competitions, the Philippine boxing team hopes to live up to its billing as the sport makes its debut in the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.
Bannered by rising star Leo Mhar Lobrido, the Filipino pugs set out for their inaugural campaign starting Thursday at Hall 9 of the Exhibition World Bahrain, while the drawing of lots is set for Wednesday night.
Nonetheless, Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Executive Director Marcus Jarwin Manalo said the six-man Filipino team is ready should any of them be drawn on opening day.
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“They all should do well,” said Manalo shortly after the boxing delegation arrived for the third edition of the quadrennial showcase late Tuesday night.
Aside from Lobrido (boys’ 46 kg), the team includes Jefferson Amaya (50 kg), John Michael Estorba (54 kg), and Justin James Zampatti (75 kg). The two entries in the distaff side are Shairylle Pores (46 kg) and Ermalie Caballero (50 kg).
Serving as coaches are Don Abnett, Gerson Nietes, former world champion Josie Gabuco, and former Asian Games gold medalist Violito Payla.
Lobrido is considered the best bet among the Filipino pugs, having ruled the Fourth Greater Area Bay Youth Boxing Challenge in Shenzhen, China last year.
He turned 16 just this month and hails from the boxing hotbed of Bago City, Negros Occidental.
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Lobrido also stands as one of the country’s flag bearers during the Youth Games’ formal opening ceremony, alongside high school volleyball starHarlyn Serneche.
Manalo, however, is not discounting the chances of the two female boxers to contend for a medal finish.
Boxing is making its debut in the Youth Games, having not been part of the 2009 (Singapore) and 2013 (Nanjing) editions.