Monday, July 26, 2004 3 Baguio fighters vs world's bests in Muaythai championship in Bangkok
IF LADY luck permits, three Baguio-based Muaythai fighters could put the Philippines in the world map anew if they win in their respective categories in the Muaythai Prince Cup 2004 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Local fighters Brent Velasco, Billy Alumno and Rodrigo Asiong, escorted by their coach and Team Philippines manager Edzel Ngina, arrived in Bangkok last week, hoping they would dominate their respective games.
Sources said big chances await the Filipino fighters, who defeated some of the finest and best Muaythai fighters in previous international competitions.
Velasco is a two-time World Cup gold medalist while Alumno bagged the silver medal during the 2000 World Cup. Asiong, on the other hand, brought glory to the country by ruling the Oceana Championship recently.
Ngina, in an interview before his team left the country, said the participation of his fighters in the Prince Cup 2004 is in preparation for the Muaythai Championship in Manila on August 21.
"We have high hopes that our local fighters would win in their respective categories because victory would boost the morale of the Filipino fighters ahead of the International Championship next month," Ngina said.
Despite the lack of government support, the Team Philippines flew to Bangkok courtesy of the city government with Mayor Braulio Yaranon at the helm. Ngina also gave special thanks to Councilors Leandro Yangot Jr and Rocky Balisong for their support when the team was preparing for the championship.
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