By REY C. LACHICA
“Bahala na si Lord.”
That was the text message of Philippine boxing coach Ronald Chavez from Saarbrucken, Germany when asked how important the draw is for the five boxers – three returning medalists and two newcomers – in the 2024 Paris Olympics which will have its lavish and historic opening ceremony on Friday, July 26.
The draw, set this Thursday, July 25, would play a significant part in the success of each participant because one could be drawn in a “lighter” group all the way to the medal round.
The unlucky ones, however, would be bracketed in the so-called “Group of Death” which is like jumping into the lion’s den – meaning they will be facing the seeded ones or the favorites right away.
Chavez, however, is unfazed.
Like fighting cocks, Chavez said the members of the PH team – Tokyo silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and bronze merdal winner Eumir Marcial, and rookies Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan – are all derby ready.
“Lahat naman yan ang gusto yung draw na pabor sa kanila, pero hindi natin mahulaan kung sino makakatapat mo, si Lord na bahala diyan,” said Chavez, himself a product of the successful “Go For Gold” Sunday slugfest at Luneta decades ago.
The training and support – financial and otherwise – are enough reasons why Chavez is upbeat about the chances of the boxers.
“Basta handa naman mga bata sa mga ganun, kaya kahit sinong makakatapat nila, seeded man o hindi, ready sila,” added the Cebuano mentor.
Being a veteran of many memorable battles in the past as member of the national team, Chavez said crucial for them is how to deal with pressure, although most of them are used to it.
“Kailangan lang kalmado, hindi sila magpa-pressure pagdating sa taas ng ring.”
Training, he said, is going on smoothly, saying: “So far, so good naman.”
Boxing has been a great source of sporting pride since Jose Villanueva won a bronze medal in the 1932 Los Angeles.
In all, boxing has accounted for eight of the country’s 14 medals in the Olympic, and that’s the legacy the current PH team has to protect and nourish.
