ABAP chief bats for improved officiating

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) president Marcus Manalo is pushing for changes in boxing officiating, including the use of artificial intelligence, a review system for close decisions and better training for referees and judges.

Manalo said the focus should be on improving the judging system rather than singling out individual officials, stressing that the concerns must be raised at the Asian and world congresses.

The call followed Carlo Paalam’s loss to Japan’s Yamaguchi Rui in the men’s 54-kilogram final of the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

“The more important issue is to raise it at the Asian and world congresses. It’s better to discuss the system rather than focus on an individual. The system is what needs to improve,” Manalo said.

One proposal involves using technology equipped with sensors on boxing gloves and four high-speed cameras around the ring to generate data on punch accuracy, punches landed and punches thrown.

Manalo also suggested allowing teams to challenge close decisions, particularly split verdicts, through a formal review process.

“That can help judges, and we can start incorporating it,” Manalo said.

He added that even if the technology is not yet fully developed, teams should have an opportunity to request a review when a bout ends in a 3-2 split decision, even if the challenge is limited to a single round.

Beyond officiating, Manalo said the national team must sharpen its preparation for upcoming international competitions and the qualification campaign for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

He stressed the need for greater international exposure, saying Filipino boxers must regularly face top-level opponents to improve their performance.