Sofia, Bulgaria - Amidst cool, windy and wet weather conditions in this capital city that boasts a 2,400 year history, the young Filipino boxers carrying the colors of PLDT-ABAP went off to a sputtering start at the AIBA World Youth Championships (17-18 year olds).
522 boxers from 90 countries are entered in this competition, which is the sole qualifying tournament for the Youth Olympic Games scheduled August 23-27 in Nanjing, China.
Starting off for the team was Cagayan De Oro City native Dannel Maamo, 18, one of those tapped by coaches Ronald Chavez and Romeo Brin to do well here, lost a close split decision (2-1) to Ukrainian Zhan Zhermen Nshimirimana. The two light flyweights (49 Kg) engaged in toe-to-toe battle, but in the end, the judges gave the edge to the Ukrainian.
Wednesday another 18 year old, Presco Carcosia Jr faced Ciobanu Nicosur of Romania. The young Filipino initiated the action early in the first round, only to get caught by a shot to the liver which hampered his movement till the end of the bout. He lost a unanimous decision.
Two other boxers drew byes- Sammy Bernabe. Jr. of Cavite and Cebu's Hipolito Banal Jr., younger brother of popular pro boxer AJ Banal. Bernabe sees action Thursday against the winner of the Syria vs New Zealand bout while Banal is scheduled on Friday to face whoever wins in the Nigeria-Colombia match.
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