The Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (ABAP) is still finalizing the guidelines when boxing makes its debut in Season 101 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Newly-elected ABAP president Marcus Manalo said discussions are still ongoing between them and the country’s oldest collegiate league about the historic staging of the sport that has been serving as the gold mine of the Filipinos in major international events.

Boxing is set to be introduced as a demonstration sport in the juniors’ division around April or May this year together with other Olympic sports like gymnastics, golf and weightlifting.

Manalo said aside from having five weight classes, nothing is definite at this point as they are still consulting with the NCAA to ensure the smooth and safe staging of the tournament.

“We still have to finalize some modifications, particularly the duration of each round. We’re discussing whether to stick with three minutes or reduce it to two minutes per round,” Manalo said at the sidelines of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night last Monday.

“The most important thing is the safe conduct of the boxing tournament at this level. Obviously, we don’t want to introduce boxing in the NCAA and have something unfortunate happen.”

Manalo said they are putting emphasis on the safety of the student-athletes since most of them will come from different sports and member schools have no boxers yet in their ranks.

“As of now, there’s no recruitment yet. It’s possible that existing athletes from other sports may convert into boxing participants,” Manalo said.

“That’s why officiating is very important. Even the role of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines in conducting training camps before the season and coaching education programs is crucial. Everything is about ensuring the safe conduct of the sport.”