By REY C. LACHICA
PARIS – In the Olympics, there’s no such thing as a “good draw.”
That was emphasized by Alliance of Boxing Association of the Philippines Executive Director Marcus Manalo on Friday, July 26, during the lavish opening of the Paris Olympics.
“Everyone understands that there is no good draw at the Olympics” said Manalo in a text message. “Everyone went through the rigorous qualifying tournaments and these are the best in the world with their big dreams on the line.”
So for the five members of the PH boxing team including Tokyo Games silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam and bronze medal winner Eumir Marcial, it’s going to be a win or go home right in their first fight.
“Every bout is literally a win or go home for all of the five players,” added Manalo.
Marcial and Paalam drew opening round bye but they are in for tough battles ahead, and so are newcomers Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan.
Of the five boxers, Bacyadan carries the heaviest burden as she takes on top seed and China’s Li Qian in the round of 16 of the women’s 75kg also on Wednesday, July 31.
But first to be thrown into the cauldron of fire is Villegas who tackles Yasmin Mouttaki of Morocco in the round of 32 of the women’s 50kg on Sunday, July 28.
Coach Ronald Chaves is hoping that Villegas would emerge victorious in order to ease the pressure from other members of the team.
Should Villegas hurdle her first assignment, she will meet No. 2 seed Roumaysa Boualam in the next round in a fight so crucial she needs to start impressively.
“So we’re just placing attention on one bout at a time and then one round at a time,” said Manalo.
Marcial needs to win four times here to realize his Olympic dream – winning a gold medal – but first, he must hurdle Uzbek Turabek Khabibullaev in the Round of 16 of the men’s 80kg on Wednesday, July 31.
Paalam is set to face Jude Gallagher of Ireland also in the round of 16 in men’s 57kg with the pride of Cagayan de Oro City needing a convincing win if he is to reach the medal round again.
“Si Carlo medyo Maganda ang draw, pero ano pa man, wala na tayong dahilan kung ano kinalabasan ng draw, importante handa mga boxers natin.
If Marcial prevails, his next possible opponent is the dangerous Arlen Lopez of Puerto Rico, the very same fighter who topped the light heavyweight class in the Tokyo edition, should he advance into the quarterfinals.
Petecio launches her own version of the last dance on Tuesday against Indian Jaismine Lamboria in the round of 32 of the women’s 57kg event on Tuesday, July 30.
