Negrense...

Picson that the 28- year- old Ladon has the capability to deliver a gold for the country in the SEA Games.

“Mukhang wala namang question when it comes to Rogen representing us in that weight class,” Manalo said. “He’s also captain of the team, and he has shown a lot of very dynamic leadership.”

Ladon, a 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics athlete, warmed up for the SEA Games by ruling his division in the Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament l ast month.

Ladon is the fourth Western Visayas- based fighter that will try to win a gold for the country in boxing aside from fellow Negrenses Ian Clark Bautista ( 57kg) and James Palicte ( 63kg) and Ilongga Irish Magno (51kg).

Other members of the national boxing team were Nesthy Petecio ( women’s 60kg), Eumir Marcial (men’s 75kg), Marjon Pianar (69kg), Josie Gabuco ( 48kg), Riza Pasuit ( 57kg) and Hergie Bacyadan (75kg).

“The expectations for ( Philippine) boxing have always been high in the SEA Games. But we’re cautiously optimistic. We’re proceeding with a lot of enthusiasm and focus,” Picson said./