After Hidilyn Diaz’s victory, another Philippine bet is set to take center stage Monday evening.
Light flyweight Rogen Ladon, another medal bet in boxing, will make his Olympic debut Monday against Colombia’s Yurberjen Martinez of Colombia, a 3-0 winner over Brazil’s Patrick Lourenco in last Saturday’s preliminary round.
Ladon drew a bye in the first round, and only needs two wins to make it to the semis and assure himself of a medal. He needs four wins to bring home the gold. His opening match is set at 11:30 a.m. Monday (Brazil time).
POC chef-de-mission Jose Romasanta called for the Filipinos to continue supporting the Philippine team.
“We are not going home empty-handed. We are all very happy about Hidilyn’s accomplishment. But we must remember that we have other athletes who are competing,” Romasanta said.
“Let us continue to cheer for them and who knows what might happen.”
The others who are still waiting for their turn are judoka Kodo Nakano in the 81 kg on August 9; swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi, who vies in the women’s 100m freestyle on August 10; golfer Miguel Tabuena from Aug. 11 to 14; marathoner Mary Joy Tabal on August 14; hurdler Eric Cray on August 15; long jumper Marestella Torres on August 16; and taekwondo’s Kirstie Elaine Alora in the +67 kg on August 20.
By Abac Cordero
