Barriga eyes Olympic gold

Monday, January 30, 2012

PANABO City native Mark Anthony Barriga will try to capture the country's first-ever gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

Light flyweight boxer Mark Anthony Barriga earned a slot for London after his Round of 16 tormentor Zou Shiming of China won the gold medal of the 2011 Aiba World Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan.

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“I feel no pressure coming in to the 2012 London Olympics since it was my dream ever since I was a kid to represent the Philippines in the boxing event in the Olympics,” Barriga told ABS-CBN's Bottomline host Boy Abunda in Filipino Saturday night.

Barriga said another clash with Shiming in the Olympics is possible but the Panaboan is ready for him.

He added, "We've been watching Shiming's video fights and we noticed that once he punches, he quickly sways his upper body to avoid counter punches to the head leaving his body open. I will attack his body first then I will try to land some combinations to his head afterwards.”

He vowed to give his all in every fight so he could win the elusive gold for the Philippines.

Barriga is a product of the Brgy. Una Boxing Team that was founded by former Cong. Tonyboy Floirendo and is being supported by current Rep. Anton Lagdameo. (RPSA)