Mandaue City is set to host some 137 boxers from all over the country in the national championships of the Philippine Sports Commission-Pacquiao Amateur Boxing Cup set Sept. 7 to 10.
“Since we will be having boxers from Luzon and Mindanao, we chose to do it in the Visayas region, particularly Mandaue City, to play host for the national championships,” said supervising technical director Roger Fortaleza.
The initial plan was to hold the preliminary round in Mandaluyong City, quarterfinal round in Murcia, Negros Occidental, semifinal round in Tagum City, Davao del Norte and final round in Sarangani Province.
But due to time constraints, the plan was aborted.
“We have merged the prelims, quarters, semis and finals in a four-day long of boxing, since we also have boxers that will compete in the upcoming Batang Pinoy national finals,” explained Fortaleza.
But even with a month-long break, the former ABAP secretary-general expects quality fights from the young brawlers.
“The amateurs will be tested in this national championship… we will eventually see the rise of new boxers that will represent our country in the future,” added Fortaleza.
