With the 2018 Asian Games as focal point, members of the national boxing team have been called to report for training camp on Monday, the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) said yesterday.
The order doesn’t only cover the centerpiece men’s squad but likewise the women’s and youth as they are also on tap to figure prominently this year with major events already lined up.
The Asian Games will be hosted by Indonesia from Aug. 18-Sept. 2 and the ABAP wants to begin the buildup early.
Besides, several overseas tournaments have been identified and lined up starting with the Indian Open late this month.
“The calendar is filled with activities,” said Abap executive director Ed Picson, adding that standouts from last year’s Asian juniors championships in Palawan, John Vincent Pangga and Kenneth dela Pena are revving up for the world youth championships later in the year.
Boxing is one sport the Philippines is banking on in the Asian Games following its failure to strike gold during the last edition in Incheon in 2014.