Pinay pugs score first round victories in China Open
This file photo shows Josie Gabuco (right) throwing a left jab against Chinese opponent Xu Shiqi. FILE PHOTO
World Championships gold medalist Josie Gabuco and Nesthy Petecio notched first-round victories in the women’s division of the 2013 China Open International Boxing Tournament being held at the Guizhou Gymnasium in Guiyang, China.
Gabuco won via unanimous decision over Russian fighter Zoia Isaeva in the flyweight class. The tournament sanctioned by the International Boxing Association, is using a format similar to the professional level with three judges, scoring 10 points in each round.
Gabuco arranged a second-round meeting with London Olympics silver medalist and three-time world champion Ren Cancan of China.
Petecio also scored a unanimous decision win against Suvd Erdene Ouyngerel of Mongolia in the bantamweight class. She will face Liu Chang of China in the next round.
Two Filipino fighters, flyweight Roldan Boncales Jr. and welterweight Dennis Galvan, however, got booted out by their Chinese foes in the men’s category. Boncales lost to 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games silver medalist Chang Yong while Galvan bowed to Fu Kaisheng.
Light flyweight Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga, on the other hand, will start his bid against Indian Naveen Kumar, bantamweight Nico Magliquian battles Indian Ajay Kumar, and lightweight Junel Cantancio takes on Mauritius bet Colin John.
National coaches Pat Gaspi, Roel Velasco and Elias Recaido Jr. are overseeing the team’s campaign.