Vicera, Baguhin fall short in Asian tilt

The Philippines finished its campaign in the Asian Boxing U19 & U22 Championships in Bangkok with two silver medals and two bronze medals.

Clark Vicera pocketed a silver medal in the men's U19 50-kilogram division after losing to home bet Kiattsak Sukwee via unanimous decision.

Xian Baguhin also settled for a silver in the women's U19 51kg division after losing to Shu Liu of China via unanimous decision.

Meanwhile in the U22 category, Mark Ashley Fajardo and Ronel Suyom got two bronze medals.

Fajardo made the podium of the men’s 65kg division after Kinley Kinley of Bhutan was disqualified in their quarterfinal bout.

Suyom got his bronze after beating Shaoqing Li of China in the quarterfinal of the men’s 55kg division.

Both boxers had good chances of getting gold medals but Aassociation of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines secretary general Marcus Manalo opted to withdraw them to prevent any grave injuries.

Suyom suffered a cut over his left eye after his victory over Li of China in the quarterfinal via unanimous decision while Fajardo had a left hand injury at the start of the tournament.

“Initially, they both wanted to compete in the semis. I know this opportunity means so much to them but we are not risking their long-term health,” Manalo said.

“They have done a great job in the tournament and are bringing home bronze medals. There’s no point in taking risks with their injuries.”