The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) is planning a two-week training camp in Central Asia in preparation for the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand from 9 to 20 December.

ABAP secretary general Marcus Manalo told DAILY TRIBUNE they are choosing whether to go to Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan for their final camp before the SEA Games.

Initially, the Filipino pugs were considering training in Thailand but changed course due to scheduling issues.

“We received an invitation from Thailand but it doesn’t fit our timeline. We’re looking at Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan,” Manalo said.

“They gave us possible dates which are okay with us but we still have to finalize.”

Manalo also said kickboxers Claudine Veloso and Hergie Bacyadan will join them in this year’s SEA Games.

Veloso competed in last year’s World Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament 1 in Busto Arsizio, Italy in the women’s 54-kilogram division while Bacyadan made it to the Summer Games but lost to eventual gold medalist Li Quan of China in the women’s 75kg division.

“They are in the roster for the SEA Games. Claudine is already training with us while Hergie told us last time she will join us since her weight division in kickboxing isn’t included,” Manalo said.

The Philippines is looking to surpass its four-gold haul from the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia in 2023.

Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Aira Villegas are expected to lead the Filipinos in the hunt for SEA Games glory.