‘A’ Gym pugs sparkle in Cebu Amateur Boxing Revival

The 'A' Gym led by Alex Santesima literally scored an ace in the last stage of the twice-a-month Cebu Amateur Boxing Revival for August over the weekend at Plaza Sugbu grounds.

Santesima delivered the shortest win in the 12bout figthcard, needing only a minute and 32 seconds in the second round to stop William de la Cruz of the Cebu City Sports Center in their 55.5 kgs. duel under the juniors/experienced division.

Santesima's stablemates also made their presence felt, with John Nino Vega and Patrick Gantuangco prevailing by decision over Eduardo Jimenez of CSCC and Vicente Seos-e Jr. of the University of the Visayas Boxing Gym in the 46 kgs. and 56 kgs. categories, respectively.

Not to be outdone, Prince Genesis subdued Louie Jay Tumale of Labogon Boxing Club by unanimous decision in their 35.5 kgs. match under the school boys/ developmental division, in the same way with Jemmuel Asocena against Norman Rosiana of CSCC in the 51 kgs. class.

It was not all jubilation though for The 'A' Gym as Jay-R Velasquez lost by split verdict to Clinton Martinez of PhilAust Gym in their 30 kgs. battle under the kids/ novice division.

The rest of the winners were Henderson Hortelano of Carmen BC by split decison vs Wyn Cabradilla of Talisay BC (26 kgs.);Sebastian Agojas of Phil-Aust Gym by SD vs Roderick Hetalada of Carmen BC (28 kgs.); Jefferson Trazo of Talisay BC by UD vs Mark Anthony Chavez of CSCC (30 kgs.); Jayron Cole of Phil-Aust by UD vs Joven Belotindos of Labogon (36.5 kgs.); Marjun Bato of Carmen by SD vs John de la Cerna of Wakee Boxing (48.5 kgs.); and Dominique Casanares of UV Boxing by UD vs his teammate Bryan Remedio (49 kgs.).

To be held two times in one month, the tournament spearheaded by ABAPCentral Visayas Board of Trustee Lorenzo 'Chao' Sy in partnership with Philippine Sports Commissioner Ramon Fernandez and Hall of Fame sportsman Antonio 'Bidoy' L. Aldeguer aims to resuscitate the 'dying' state of Cebu amateur boxing.

Its ultimate goal is to help find talents and develop them to become members of the national team with hopes of ending the Philippines' elusive quest for an Olympic gold medal in the future.—

EBV