Two gold medalists in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games will spearhead the 13-man Philippine boxing team for this year’s SEA Games.
Light-heavyweight John Marvin and middleweight Eumir Marcial, the only gold medal winners for the Philippines in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, will lead the Filipino boxing contingent, which is expected to dominate the competition.
In a tv5.espn.com report, Marvin and Marcial will be joined in the men’s team by Carlo Paalam (light flyweight, 49 kg), Rogen Ladon (flyweight, 52 kg), Ian Clark Bautista (bantamweight, 56 kg), Charly Suarez (lightweight, 60 kg), James Palicte (light welterweight, 64 kg) and Joel Bacho (welterweight, 69 kg).
Representing the women’s team are Josie Gabuco (light flyweight, 48 kg), Irish Magno (flyweight, 48 kg), Aira Villegas (bantamweight, 54 kg), Nesthy Petecio (featherweight, 57 kg) and Risa Pasuit (lightweight, 60 kg).
Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Secretary-General Ed Picson expressed confidence that the team would win the bulk of the 13 gold medals at stake in the competition.
“We’re in a very good place, what with the hometown crowd behind us and our boxers peaking just in time,” said Picson in the report.
