CAGAYAN de Oro’s Eljay Pamisa failed to emulate the golden expedition of gymnast Carlos Edriel “Caloy” Yulo and fellow boxer Nesthy Petecio in the world-class sports arena. But Pamisa’s silver finish in the recent ASBC Asian Juniors Boxing Championships in Al Fujaira, United Arab Emirates is a great source of pride for the sports-loving Cagayanons.
After defeating Thanakom Aonyaem of Thailand in the semifinals, Pamisa narrowly missed the gold via a close 2-3 hearbreaker at the hands of Indian rival Vishvanath Suresh in the pinweight division final.
“Sayang, sa gamay nga sipyat lang gayod nagdaug,” his father coach Elmer Pamisa, said.
However, Pamisa’s feat was the best among the four-man team fielded by the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines.
Oro compatriot Jericho Acaylar breezed through the opening round matches before losing steam. Dave Laurejas won twice while Jimier Cubay fell ill and had to withdraw in the last minute.
The talented Pamisa brings a lot of confidence entering the final round after demolishing the Thailander, 5-0 in the semifinals.
“His time will come. Tiyaga lang gyod daghan pa giyera ibabaw sa ring,” city sports chief Jaymar Rivera said of the youthful Pamisa.