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Philippines, 08 Nov 2009 |
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A PUSH FOR AMATEUR BOXING By Ed Picson PhilBoxing.com Tue, 06 Jan 2009  Jose “Cely” Villanueva, his son Anthony Villanueva, Roel Velasco, his brother Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco and Leopoldo Serrantes became instant celebrities when they won their respective medals in the Olympics. But before they did, they were virtual unknowns because the reality is people only turn to amateur boxing during big international sports events such as the Olympics or the Asian Games. Since these only happen every so many years, if the boxer does not win significantly, then he is relegated to his former anonymous status. Professional boxers on the other hand generally get the most attention because there is no season for professional boxing, they can fight the whole year. Add to that the attractive amounts of money earned by those who get into elite fights, and their fights and victories are enjoyed vicariously by the public. But the truth is, amateurs share the same hardships as those who bask in the limelight of prizefighting. It might even be harder for the amateur because when they join tournaments, they fight several bouts in a few days time. As a boxer keeps winning, he goes up for more fights and the more he is exposed to harm and fatigue. He is also required to maintain his weight as he progresses in the tournament. Pros only need to hurdle the weigh-in, which is on the day before the fight. The he can gain as much weight as he wants until his next fight, which would at least be a month away. People often have the misconception that amateur boxing is boring and lackadaisical owing to the fact that simonpures normally do not deiver power punches and haymakers. A knockdown in amateur boxing is credited with only one point, same as one solid punch. So why bother expending so much energy? The fact is however, that it is almost mesmerizing to watch amateurs-especially the more advanced- as they go about the discipline of the “sweet science”. The strategy of piling up points in order to win a match is something one can appreciate with awe if properly ingrained with the knowledge of the sport. That one has to garner as many points as he can in only four 2-minute rounds makes it especially challenging. The action is also bound to be fever-pitch as two protagonists attempt to impress the judges. There are usually five judges deployed all around the ring. They score by pressing a colored button representing the boxers. A point is credited if at least three judges press the same button simultaneously within a couple of seconds of each other. Sadly, there are very few amateur boxing promotions that the public can watch out for. “Fistorama”, the weekly boxing show started by the late, lamented sporting figures Joe Cantada and Taby Tabaniag, seems to be the only surviving TV program dedicated to the Olympic boxing ideal. Although it only switched to amateur a couple of years ago, so many kids have already embraced it as a stepping stone towards carving a niche in the sport. Comes now the new dispensation in the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines. Led by Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, President Ricky Vargas and Sec-Gen Pato Gregorio, the new officers are single-minded in their mission to win the first Philippine gold medal in the Olympics through boxing. The take-over in the ABAP is unique in that although long-time president Manny Lopez had to step aside there was no acrimony involved. Everyone acted in gentlemanly fashion, acknowledging each other’s expertise, know-how and good intentions. The new guys on the block do not claim to be the sole Messiahs for the sport. Lopez stays on as Vice-President of the organization, and is looked at as a prime source for information and guidance by the new administration. This is indeed a rare occurrence not only in sports, but in any Filipino organization. We are all too familiar with the way new administrations- political, social, academic or what-have-you- will never have anything to do with past dispensations. We have raised the art of “starting with a clean slate” to a whole new level. While the new officials assumed their positions only a few days ago, a program of activities has been drawn up with the end in view of involving as many stakeholders in the sport and getting their inputs on the strategies for attaining the Olympic goal. This week, Vargas and company will embark on whistle stop tours around the country, engaging the support of respected boxing personalities for their cause. It is hoped that everyone will put aside their biases, prejudices and egos so that a united effort could be launched for the ambitious and commendable project. We bid everyone good luck! Top photo: Mansueto 'Onyok' Velasco (L) battles Rafael Lozano of Spain during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA enroute to a silver medal finish by Velasco. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed Picson. Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles: |
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