Bambol rallies behind Bacyadan

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has faith that Hergie Bacyadan will be able to make an impact in kickboxing in the World Games in Chengdu, China.

Tolentino said Bacyadan’s status as an Olympian was something that helped her prepare for the multi-sport event that features events not included in the Summer Games.

“She was originally from kickboxing and we borrowed her for boxing and qualified for the Olympics,” Tolentino said.

“After that, she had a high rank in kickboxing and Hergie became the lone delegate in the female division for kickboxing.”

Bacyadan demonstrated her efficiency as a boxer during her stint in the Summer Games last year in Paris.

Bacyadan lost in Paris to eventual gold medalist Li Quan of China, 5-0, in the Round of 16 of the women’s 75-kilogram division.

Despite her early exit, Bacyadan believes her Olympic stint did wonders for her as she is a lot more confident about her punching.

“My punches are more powerful and it really helps me a lot,” Bacyadan said.

“If I can time it right, it can really hurt my opponents since they don’t have a background in punching.”