Expert: ‘Big Challenge’ To Improve State Of Boxing In Phl; Gov’t Can’t Fund Sports Alone

Despite the recognition Filipino boxers have been receiving lately with their performance in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, there is still a “big challenge” to improve the state of boxing in the Philippines, an expert said Wednesday, Aug. 4.

In an interview with “Agenda” on One News, veteran sports broadcaster and Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) secretary general and chief operating officer Ed Picson said that while the Philippines has a “knack” for boxing, funding for the sport had been neglected.

“We’re a poor country...Normally, the young ones who train do not have any resources,” he said in English and Filipino, adding that children who are really interested and passionate for the sport tend to practice in makeshift facilities and use improvised equipment.

Picson said an empty lot, for instance, would be converted into a boxing ring using abaca or rope while old rugs would become gloves.

“It’s pathetic,” he lamented.

Picson then cited that a provision in the Local Government Code where local government units may set aside 5% of their internal revenue allotment for sports. “So in other words, option ng LGU whether to set aside that 5% or not. In most cases, hindi ginagamit ‘yun (that’s not being used). They ignore sports,” Picson said.

“It’s a very big challenge, it’s not like in the US or other developed countries where their coaches are volunteers. They need volunteers but they have the facilities, they have the gym, they have the equipment. All you need to do is for people during their spare time, with the dads and the moms, to give support. Wala tayo nyan dito, pahirapan (We don’t have that here, it’s hard),” Picson added.

Aside from Filipino boxing champion, Sen. Manny Pacquiao and others who have brought glory and honor to the country, three Filipino boxers – namely Nesthy Petecio, Eumir Marcial and Carlos Paalam – made waves in the Tokyo Olympics. Petecio clinched a silver medal in the women’s featherweight finals match, making her the first Filipina boxer to win a medal in the quadrennial games.

Meanwhile, Paalam and Marcial are assured of at least bronze medals for the Philippines in their respective divisions – the country’s third and fourth. 

Read more: Paalam Stays With Medal In His Pocket

TIME IS GOLD | Quick Work Anew For Marcial In Stunning KO Win To Secure Bronze Medal

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This development in the Olympics, Picson said,  “is a big leap in Philippine boxing, and I credit the dedication, discipline and determination of our boxers and coaches in getting us this far in the biggest stage in the world.”

‘More disappointments than victories’

Since there is a lack of support for the sport, Picson said Philippine boxing has had more disappointments than victories, “owing to the fact I think that we are unable to really give our boxers an opportunity to better themselves, to realize their potential.”

He noted that the Philippine government alone cannot entirely fund the athletes alone and must need the support of the private sector as well.

“[The] government cannot support any of the disciplines by itself simply because we don't have enough money. We're a third-world country,” he said. “‘Di natin kaya (We can’t afford it). There are more priorities for the government but if the private sector comes in and lends a helping hand, mapupunuan ‘yung kakulangan (whatever is lacking will be filled) and this is the result.”

Funding for Philippine boxing “is not cheap but it’s also not entirely expensive as well,” Picson said, adding that what the athletes really need is budget for equipment, food, vitamins, supplements, and focus on sports science.

Picson also agrees with the call Philippine Olympic Committee president and House Deputy Speaker Abrahan “Bambol” Tolentino to create a sports department for the country. Currently, the Philippine Sports Commission is the sole agency that tackles matters of sports.

Read more: ‘Hidilyn’s Victory Gives Proposed Sports Department A Push’