Major setback
ABAP rules out Mindoro for Asiad after KO loss
Mexican Carlos Ocampo doesn’t only inflict Weljon Mindoro his first pro loss but also messes up his stint in the Asian Games in Nagoya.
Photograph courtesy of probox tv
ABAP rules out Mindoro for Asiad after KO loss
Mexican Carlos Ocampo doesn’t only inflict Weljon Mindoro his first pro loss but also messes up his stint in the Asian Games in Nagoya.
Photograph courtesy of probox tv
Professional puncher Weljon Mindoro won’t be making the trip to the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, leaving the entire Philippine delegation one medal prospect less.
Mindoro was tabbed as a replacement for Eumir Marcial in the 80 kilograms division (light-heavyweight) for the 19 September to 4 October quadrennial sportsfest.
But his ninth-round knockout loss to Mexican veteran Carlos Ocampo at the Galen Center in Los Angeles on Saturday night (Sunday morning the Manila), compelled the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) to write him off.
“He’s a reserve for Eumir but looks like he will miss it after the outcome of his bout earlier,” ABAP president Marcus Manalo told DAILY TRIBUNE just moments after Mindoro’s heartbreaking defeat, his first as a pro after 18 bouts.
Ocampo, who was penalized $2,000 from his $10,000 purse for coming in overweight, floored Mindoro with a crushing right to the kisser, sending the Zamboanga del Sur native dropping to a knee before crashing into the ropes.
Mindoro waited for the referee’s count to reach eight before standing and appeared willing to resume fighting but somebody from the California State Athletic Commission climbed the ring and ordered the fight be stopped.
The Filipino knockout artist protested it but it was clear letting the fight continue could pose dangers as Mindoro’s record dropped to 17-1-1 with 16 knockouts.
Ocampo, a one-time world title challenger, raised his mark to 39-4-0 with 27 knockouts.
National team head coach Pat Gaspi likewise expressed the idea that the Philippines will be left with no choice but to skip competitions in the 80-kg class.
“It doesn’t look like he will make it because he got knocked down and I know you need a one-month rest,” Gaspi said.
Marcial, who bagged the bronze in the Tokyo Olympics, was the original pick but his eighth professional match will coincide with the Asian Games’ opening on 19 September.
With Marcial and Mindoro out of the team, the Philippine boxing contingent will rely heavily on Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio and Paris Olympics bronze medalist Aira Villegas.
The last time a boxing gold was won by the Philippies in the Asian Games happened during the 2010 edition in Guangzhou courtesy of flyweight Rey Saludar.
