The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has approved the re-hiring of Cuban boxing coach Raul Fernandez Liranza to boost the RP team’s stint in the coming Asian Games.
PSC Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez gave the green light during their board meeting yesterday, saying: "We feel that he’s (Liranza) a great contribution for our future success in boxing."
Liranza, who coached the RP boxing team from 1995-96 and 1999-2000, is credited for helping Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco secure the silver medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) President Manny Lopez said Liranza will receive ,000 (roughly R157,000) monthly allowance with ,500 coming from the PSC. He will be staying in PSC’s training camp in Baguio City.
Meanwhile, Lopez announced that all athletes, including those who participated in last month’s 23rd Southeast Asian Games, will have to undergo tryouts starting with the staging of National Open set in March either in Bago City, Negros Occidental or Iriga City, Camarines Sur.
The boxing team won eight gold medals in the recent SEA Games. Among the winners were Juanito Magliquian Jr. (pinweight), Harry Tañamor (light fly), Joan Tipon (bantam) and Genebert Basadre (lightweight). —Kristel SATUMBAGA
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