World Championships 2009

by Ed Picson
Executive Director
Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines

Sept 08, 2009

Our participation here in the Milan World Championships has been totally awesome. Although it’s pretty early in the tournament, having won 3 of 4 matches is exhilarating. Bear in mind that there are 144 countries and over 550 boxers who have entered in this high-level competition. Our boxers are off to a sizzling start.

Genebert Basadre, Joan Tipon and Charly Suarez have done us proud in the face of overwhelming odds. Although Joegin Ladon dropped his fight and has been eliminated, he fought like a man possessed against a guy who was easily 4 inches taller. The Brit, James Stalker, was not just tall. He was also a polished fighter.

Even ABAP president Ricky Vargas, who watched Ladon's fight, enthusiastically acknowledged his fighting heart. He commended the Navy man for standing up to the much bigger opposition.

The most impressive win in the group so far has been that of Charly Suarez of Panabo City, Davao del Norte. He also went up against a much taller fighter in Julian Stan of Romania, but was quick on his feet. He delivered awesome combinations and deadly hooks that befuddled the hapless European. The sparse Filipino crowd shouted their voices hoarse as they were swept off their feet by Charly's magnificent performance.

Today (Friday), Basadre takes on his second assignment. Like the other boxers, his spirits are buoyed by the presence and support of the ABAP leadership led by Mr. Vargas and Mr. Patrick Gregorio, our secretary-general.

Our most heralded fighter, World Cup gold medalist Harry Tanamor, debuts tomorrow against the European champion from Armenia. He has been raring to go and has been singularly focused in their twice-a-day daily training here. Joan Tipon will also see action for the second time.

We're doing fine. The weather here is much like ours since it is summer in Italy. The boys have been missing Filipino food since they came from a three-week training stint in Cuba and came directly to Milan afterwards. But we did bring in a box load of Pinoy favorites, including noodles, bottled tuyo, tawilis, sardines, corned beef, pork and beans, 3-in-one coffee, Sky Flakes (oops! not an endorsement), and etc. This has provided much relief to our boys.

Smart Pinoy GM Rey Yu is also providing service cell phone units to them so they can get in touch with their loved ones. This brought out a resounding cheer from the national boxers. We have done our best to give them what they need. They promise to pull out all the stops once inside the ring.

We urge all our countrymen to do their part through prayers.

Mabuhay!