Former world champion Josie Gabuco and the Philippines impressed as the 30th Southeast Asian Games boxing competitions raised its curtains Wednesday at the PICC Forum in Pasay.
Gabuco showed that she plans to keep her throne as the best in SEAG women’s flyweight — a throne she has owned since 2009 — downing Thai foe Chutamat Raksat via split decision.
It was a rematch of the 2015 Games’ gold medal battle, the last time women’s boxing was part of the biennial meet.
Aira Villegas also made quite an impression, scoring a win via unanimous decision versus Vilay Vongphachan of Laos in the women’s bantamweight division.
Veteran Irish Magno conquered Singapore’s bet Leona Hui via unanimous decision in a flyweight tiff.
Carlo Paalam was the lone Filipino boxer, but he made sure to leave a mark. Paalam reigned triumphant over Khamphouvanh Khamsathone of Laos, also by unanimous decision, in men’s light flyweight.
The men’s team will take centerstage on Thursday as the boxing competitions resume, still at the same venue.
