THE Philippines men's and women's boxing teams will be leaving for the United States for their training for the Asian Games this November.
The groups, which were the overall championship in the recent Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) International Boxing Cup, are scheduled to train at the University of San Francisco under Filipino mentor Angelo Merino.
Set to head the men's delegation is MVP Cup gold medalist Charly Suarez, who will also serve as sparring partners of interested Filipino-Americans who want to give it a shot for the Philippine team, according to Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) executive director Ed Picson.
"Maraming Fil-Ams ang gustong pumasok sa national pool and it's a good idea if we can hold tryouts while our boxers are training there para continuous pa rin yung recruitment program natin," he said.
After a week, the Nationals together with the women's team, will proceed to Los Angeles to undergo training at the Eddie Heredia Gym where boxing legend Oscar dela Hoya trained as an amateur, then at the Wild Card Gym owned by Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach.
Details of the flight schedule are yet to be finalized, said Picson.
"The program is running smoothly," Picson said in reference to the "Road to the Asian Games" program being undertaken by ABAP.
"At ito'y hindi lamang para makarating tayo sa Asian Games but pati sa London Olympics in 2012."
Set to fly to the U.S. are featherweight Suarez, lightweight Joegin Ladon and welterweight Delfin Bohol, all MVP Cup gold medalists. Two or three other boxers might join the three.
Rising star flyweight Annie Albania and either pinweight Josie Gabuco or light-flyweight Kate Aparri might make it to the US stint.
As part of their preparations, the Filipino pugs are also slated to participate in two international competitions in the next few months.
"Our men's team will proceed to Finland for the Tammer Cup, a very prestigious competition where we have been taking part in the past several years," said Picson.
"The women's team, on the other hand will go to Barbados for the World Women's Championshsip. Both are parts of the program for the Asiad." (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)