By Nick Giongco
After almost two decades, the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) has plans of rekindling its Cuban connection not only by competing there but by training there as part of its buildup for the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.
ABAP secretary general Ed Picson said those being eyed to be named to the Asiad-bound squad will spend weeks in Havana starting in May in time for the Giraldo Cordova Cardin slugfest from June 2-June 9.
The Indonesia Asiad will run from Aug. 18-Sept. 2 and the Cuban stint runs perfect with the ABAP’s coaching program, said Picson.
Returning to Cuba should work wonders for the Filipino boxers.
In the 2017 world championships in Hamburg, Germany, powerhouse Cuba took five of 10 gold medals at stake aside from two silvers.
However, Picson said that if the Cuban project doesn’t materialize, there is a solid backup plan.
Tournaments in Murcia, Spain, and Khabarovsk, Russia, are also being highly considered and make up for an attractive alternative.
The ABAP leadership is confident the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will understand the magnitude of these proposals.
Besides, PSC chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez is an ardent follower of Cuban sports, having visited the Caribbean nation once during an official visit.
Despite its poor facilities, Cuba has dominated Olympic boxing and the biennial world championships the last 40 years.