Philippines, 23 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


RP pugs to undergo extensive build up program for 2 int?l meets


PhilBoxing.com




An extensive program geared towards the country?s participation in two big international sporting events scheduled one after another this year -- the Youth Olympic Games and the Asian Games -- has been set in place by the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines.

First in the calendar is the National Boxing Championships slated this coming January 25-30 to be hosted by Mayor Edward Hagedorn in Puerto Princesa City where all the 40-member national training pool will be participating along with new fresh talents from the provinces.

ABAP executive director Ed Picson told yesterday's PSA Forum at the PSC main dining hall that Mayor Hagedorn has already signed the memorandum of agreement with ABAP regarding the hosting of the tournament.

The boxing association, proud of its five-gold, three-silver and one-bronze haul in Laos despite sending only 10 boxers, is also holding an international tournament that will coincide with ABAP chairman and PLDT/Smart big boss Manny V. Pangilinan?s birthday on July 14.

"It will not be in the level of the King's Cup in Thailand that attracts around 30 countries. We will start small. We're looking at six countries. We will call it the MVP Cup, and it's already in the drawing board," said Picson on behalf of Pangilinan and ABAP president Ricky Vargas.

An international tournament set sometime April in Azerbaijan that will serve as a qualifying tournament for the Youth Olympics in Singapore on Aug. 14 to 21, is next in the hectic 2010 agenda.

Also lined up are several other international stints leading to the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China in November, Picson, speaking in behalf of ABAP president Ricky Vargas, disclosed. The Filipino fighters will be out to improve on a pair of gold medals Violito Payla and Joan Tipon brought home four years ago in Doha, Qatar.

"Five or six international tournaments before the Asian Games will be good for us. The level of competition in the Asian Games is higher so we will make sure that our boxers are properly trained, taken cared of and well-equipped," Picson said.

Picson said his association will make sure that the women boxers will be given exposures like their male counterparts. The female boxers, led by Annie Albania, accounted for three of the five gold medals in Laos where the Philippines jumped from sixth overall after in 2007 to a modest fifth.

Joining Albania in the country?s gold medal harvest in boxing are Jose Gabuco and Kate Aparri in the distaff side and Bill Vicera and Charly Suarez in the men?s division.

"I have full confidence that we will be competitive although I cannot promise anything. We're there and it's just a matter of being more focused in our programs. With proper support from government and private sector I don't see why we can't succeed," the ABAP executive said.

Picson added that unlike the past years, the association will not be hiring foreign coaches.

"To us, the number one factor in coaching is still communication. Even if you have all the knowledge if you cannot communicate well with your boxers, it means nothing," said Picson, adding that they have decided to do away with the Cuban coaches, at least temporarily.

(Top photo : R.P. women?s boxing team with coaching staff;
Photo below: the author with SEA Games and Asian Indoor games gold medal winner Annie Albania)





Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • 2026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Set to Compete at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria
    , Sun, 22 Feb 2026
  • SMEP, SAEP round 6 standoff in PTC WED NEMO 4th D’ Engineers Chess Cup
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 22 Feb 2026
  • Late Valentine’s gift for Lover Boy
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • “Prince” Albert Pagara Heads to Perth, Australia, for WBC Australasia Title Fight
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • BARRIOS vs GARCIA (FIGHT ANALYSIS)
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • FLOYD MAYWEATHER UNRETIRES
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WBC Introduces new award "WBC Main Event" world championship Chain & Pendant
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WOOD-WARRINGTON II OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR SOLD-OUT REMATCH IN NOTTINGHAM
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • "Rompete la Madre" documentary is now in the Mexican theaters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • A Massive Weekend Ahead for Renowned Trainer Bob Santos
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia?
    By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Pacman bout details revealed
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Wood-Warrington II Press Conference Quotes: Everything that Was Said Ahead of Saturday's Sold-Out Rematch in Nottingham
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Opponents for Rising Stars Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. and Curmel Moton on Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Rising Star Promotions Returns to Prudential Center April 10 LIVE ON PROBOX TV
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Sante Barley Trilogy Leg 1 on March 29 in Azuela
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Team Rapid chess tourney goes to Pasay City on March 8 By Marlon Bernardino
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • 3rd Horse Show & competition scheduled on February 21-22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • Robinsons Bacolod Chess Festival set
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Alex Bray Set for WBA Continental Latin American Title Clash February 20 in Orlando
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Calls out Jai Opetaia
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • BREAKING NEWS: DAZN AND MATCHROOM BOXING SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • 75 climbers start trekking to Mt. Apo today
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • 4 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.