Olympic medalists to banner PH boxing team in Asian Games
Published Jun 30, 2026 03:17 pm
At A Glance
- The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) is sending the strongest possible team to the 20th Asian Games, with Olympic medalists leading the fight for the country's medal bid in the tournament slated Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Japan.
Eumir Marcial (POC Media)
The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) is sending the strongest possible team to the 20th Asian Games, with Olympic medalists leading the fight for the country's medal bid in the tournament slated Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Japan.
ABAP, led by president Marcus Manalo, is looking forward to a fruitful campaign with Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial and Aira Villegas bannering the cast that is expected to produce podium finishes after a lackluster campaign in the Hangzhou three years ago.
“Sa amin kasi you have to be at a specific level before you get to compete in the Asian Games… Sinasabi ko sa mga coaches ‘yong Asian Games hindi ‘yan pwedeng pang-exposure,” said Manalo, who is optimistic of beating Marcial's silver in China.
“You’re there to get to the podium, to win medals, kung developmental ka pa hindi Asian Games ‘yong exposure, dapat ‘yong competition exposure ide-depende mo rin sa [competition level] ng athlete,” he added.
Manalo also eyes tapping the services pro boxer Weljon Mindoro as the federation tries to assemble a big contingent for better chances of winning.
“Pero ‘yong Asian Games, gusto mo dun talaga ‘yong best of the best, nakakahiya naman sa Pilipinas… admittedly ‘yong iba kailangan pa talaga ng experience,” he continued.
“Mayroon naman tayo mga up-and-coming pero ‘yong Asian Games, it could be overwhelming rin din kasi for them, not all experience is good experience sa gantong level,” he added.
The sports executive emphasized that young boxers in the training pool must gain valuable international experience first before taking on the highly-continental meet.
At 34, Petecio seeks the ‘missing piece’
The 34-year-old Petecio is still recovering from an eye surgery after suffering an injury early this year.
Manalo believes the Tokyo silver medalist has enough time to reach her top form.
“May mga restrictions pa, pero she’s been preparing for the Asian Games, so, I think we’re going to get clearance naman kasi may several months pa naman,” Manalo said. “Magandang gauge din ‘yong training camp kasi limited pa ‘yong contact niya… hopefully pagdating ng training camp kaya niya nang makipag-sparring without restriction.”
In her previous interview, Petecio, a Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur native whose achievements include a silver in Olympics alongside multiple medals in international competitions, stressed her eagerness to finally clinch a medal in the Asian Games.