P1 million for boxing gold in World Championships

MANILA, Philippines - A cash incentive of P1 million for a gold medal awaits Filipino fighters who will win the gold in the Senior World Boxing Championships set Sept. 1-12 in Milan, Italy.

The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, led by chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and president Ricky Vargas, made the announcement a few days before a five-man RP team left Havana, where the boxers had been training, for Milan.

ABAP executive director Ed Picson also said a silver medal is worth P500,000 and a bronze P250,000.

“This should go a long way in providing our boxers some motivation outside the desire to bring honor to the country,” said Picson.

Of nine boxers currently in training in Havana, Cuba, five were chosen to banner the Philippine campaign in Milan.

They are light flyweight Harry Tañamor, bantamweight Joan Tipon, featherweight Charly Suarez, lightweight Joegin Ladon, and light welterweight Genebert Basadre.

PLDT Global Corp., an international company under the umbrella of the giant PLDT-Smart conglomerate, is a major sponsor of the Philippine participation in the tournament via their mobile phone service Smart Pinoy, which services OFW’s in Italy, Hongkong and Singapore.

Al Panlilio, PLDT Global Corporation president, expressed elation at the chance to provide assistance.

“We feel honored with this opportunity to backstop our Filipino boxers in this epic international battle. We hope our humble contribution to this national effort will bring honor and pride to our people,” he said. Picson said that while the Philippine Sports Commission headed by chairman Harry Angping funded the boxers’ trip, all other incidental expenses are being borne by Smart Pinoy.