ABAP ready to launch MVP Cup

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) secretary-general Patrick Gregorio said yesterday preparations are on stream to stage the first-ever MVP Cup here on July 14-18 with China, Thailand, Mongolia, Chinese-Taipei, Mongolia and the host country vying for honors in seven weight divisions for men and five for women.

Gregorio said the plan is to make the MVP Cup an annual event, propelling the Philippines back into active status as a host in an AIBA (International Boxing Association) tournament.

“Not counting the Olympic qualifiers which Puerto Princesa hosted in 2004, the last time the Philippines staged an AIBA competition was in 1998,” said Gregorio. “We used to hold the Mayor’s Cup every year and it was a tournament that countries all over the world looked forward to because of our tradition of warm hospitality. Spreading goodwill is vital in the international sporting community. It’s not just about winning or losing. Establishing friendly relations is essential.”

No less than AIBA president Dr. Ching Kuo-Wu of Taiwan is expected to attend the proceedings where Sri Lanka ‘s Herbert Embuldeniya will be the technical delegate or tournament director. Also coming for the MVP Cup are Asian Boxing Confederation president Chang Jianping and executive director Richard Zheng Guozheng, both of China .

Gregorio said arrangements are being finalized to telecast the fights on TV5. The MVP Cup will coincide with the 64th birthday celebration of ABAP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan on July 14.

ABAP executive director Ed Picson told The Star bookings have been made at the Century Park Sheraton and Waterfront Hotel for the visitors. The tournament venue will be the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym, Makati Coliseum or the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

“We would’ve liked to hold the tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium but a dancesport competition has been booked since last year,” said Picson. “We’re looking at a venue close to where the visitors will be billeted.”

The tournament will feature seven weight divisions for men – lightflyweight (48 kilogram), flyweight (51), bantamweight (54), featherweight (57), lightweight (60), lightwelterweight (64) and welterweight (69). The five categories for women are pinweight (46), lightflyweight (48), flyweight (51), bantamweight (54) and featherweight (57). Picson said the Philippines will enter two men’s teams of seven fighters each and a women’s team of five.

“Nobody is seeded, not even the fighters in the super elite group which consists of Charly Suarez, Rey and Victorio Saludar, Annie Albania and Mark Anthony Barriga,” said Picson. “The fighters have to earn their slots in the MVP Cup.”

Picson said the five fighters in the super elite group have been recalled from the ABAP Baguio camp and will be given focused training in Manila under coach Roel Velasco. The five fighters, except Barriga, reported for their first workouts last Thursday.

“Mark is still recovering from an appendectomy,” said Picson. “Doctors are giving him up to June 25 to begin light training. We’re hoping he’ll be ready to represent the country at the Youth Olympics in Singapore in August if he’s given a wildcard ticket by the IOC and AIBA.”

The MVP Cup will be the last tournament for the Filipino male fighters before flying to Australia in August and the US in September for training in preparation for the Asian Games in Guangzhou on Nov. 12-27.

After the MVP Cup, the women will show their mettle at the sixth World Championships in Brighton , Barbados , on Sept. 10-18. There is no qualifying tournament for Barbados but Picson said the ABAP will send only fighters with the potential to bring home medals.