The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) has high hopes for the Paris-bound athletes who aim to deliver the country's first Olympic gold in the sport.

The contingent, composed of Tokyo medalists Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial, and Olympic debutants Aira Villegas and Hergie Bacyadan, gears up for the biggest battle of their lives when they target the ultimate prize in the French capital and duplicate Hidilyn Diaz's feat in Japan three years ago.

“We feel they have the chance to podium and go all the way, personally this is the best chance to win the elusive gold medal,” said ABAP secretary general Marcus Manalo in Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, MILO, and ArenaPlus, the leading sports entertainment gateway in the country.

“We let the results take care of itself, but we’re optimistic that this is the strongest team we have, given the tough qualification process,” he added.

This year’s Olympics will be historical for the country as it is set to celebrate its 100th year of joining the quadrennial meet.

The Philippines has produced 14 medals in Olympics and eight of them were from boxing (4 silver, 4 bronze).

The boxers will hold a training camp in Metz, France from June 22 until July 1. It will be followed by a three-week training in Germany alongside qualified boxers from US, Thailand, Mongolia, and Cuba before flying to Paris.