PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Boxer Ian Clark Bautista saved the day for Team Philippines Saturday, May 13, after retaining his gold medal in the men’s 57kg in the 32^nd Southeast Asian Games at the Chroy Changvar Convention Center here.

Ian Clark Bautista (File Photo)

Bautista won via unanimous decision over Asri Udin of Indonesia for the only gold from the Filipino fighters after his three teammates yielded to their foes via unanimous decisions to settle for silver medals.

Rogen Ladon succumbed to Thai foe Thanarat Saengphet in the men’s 51kg, Irish Magno lost to another Thai rival in Jutamas Jitpong in the women’s 54kg, and Riza Pasuit bowed to Vietnamese Thi Linh Ha in the women’s 63kg.

Five other fighters are slated to compete in the finals Sunday, May 14, namely Carlo Paalam (men's 54kg), Paul Julyfer Bascon (men's 60kg), Norlan Petecio (men's 67kg), John Marvin (men's 80kg) and Nesthy Petecio (women's 57kg).

Bautista dedicated his triumph not only to his family and the country, but also to the late Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (ABAP) President Ed Picson, who encouraged him to join the national team when he was 14 years old.

“This is my gift to Sir Ed,” said Bautista, a native of Negros Occidental.

“I’m very grateful that he encouraged me to join the national team because at that time, I was too light and skinny at my age,” he added.