Marcial, Mindoro joining Asiad

BAGUIO CITY — The Philippine boxing team is willing to give Weljon Mindoro the chance to atone for his early exit in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games by suiting up in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The hard-hitting Mindoro, unbeaten in 15 fights in the professional ranks, was beaten in his SEA Games debut by a fast-moving Vietnamese.

Barcelona Olympics bronze medalist Roel Velasco, one of the top coaches of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), told DAILY TRIBUNE that Mindoro needs to train longer with them here to get used to the Olympic-style boxing.

Mindoro just spent a few weeks with the ABAP when he fought in the SEA Games held in Bangkok last December.

“Next time it would be beneficial if he stays with us a bit longer,” said Velasco, adding that Mindoro’s pal and stablemate Eumir Marcial is also poised to fight in Japan.

The Asian Games will be held from 19 September to 4 October with the ABAP vowing to send a solid lineup.

Preparations for the Asian Games have already commenced with members of the elite team set not just to compete but train overseas as well in the coming months.

The Filipino boxers failed to bring home a gold from the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023 and are determined to bounce back when Marcial and Mindoro banner a lineup seasoned with young and hungry lions.