The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, through its president Manny Lopez, announced yesterday that the 29-year-old Payla will no longer be included in the team because of the recommendation made by Dr. Raul Canlas, chief of the Philippine Center for Sports Medicine.   

Violito Payla

In his letter, Lopez said it was physically impossible to rehabilitate Payla in two weeks due to the extent of his injury.

Canlas told ABAP officials that Payla needs at least one month before he could be able to resume gym work.

Payla, according to the findings of Canlas, suffered a partial torn rotator cuff on his left shoulder.

"We’re sad to learn about the medical result of Payla, but we’re still hopeful he can resume training next month," said Lopez.

Though he was looking devastated, Payla, a veteran of the Athens Olympics, accepted his fate, saying it’s not yet the end of the world for him.

"Wala tayong magawa, ganyan talaga ang buhay, pero confident naman ako na makakabalik pa," said Payla during an interview at the PCSM.

"Gagawin ko ang lahat ng sasabihin ni Doc Canlas para gumaling kaagad at makabalik sa training.

Aside from winning the gold medal in the Doha Asian Games two years ago, Payla was a two-time gold medal winner of the Tammer Cup in Finland (2002-03). He also won a gold in Greece six years ago.

Even Tipon was saddened upon learning that his fellow Asian Games hero will not be able to join the team this time.

"Sayang naman, nag-training kami ng husto para dito tapos nadisgrasya pa siya," said the 25-year-old Tipon.

Tipon, who is expecting his third child next month, said he’s ready to lead the team, claiming he is in top shape, physically and mentally.

"Laking tulong sa amin ang pag-dating ng mga Cuban coaches kaya kundisyon na kundisyon ako ngayon," said Tipon, who is hoping to compete in his first Olympic.

Either Godfrey Castro or Rey Saludar will take the place of Payla in the 5-man team which is set to leave on Monday for Kazakhstan.

Only Harry Tañamor has qualified for the Beijing Olympics having won a silver medal in the World Championship in Chicago last year.

The three other members of the team will be known either on Saturday or Sunday.

"We still have to assess the performance of our players with the help of our Cuban coaches," said Lopez.

Also hoping to join the team are Orlando Tacuyan Jr., Charlie Suarez, Joegen Ladon, Genebert Basarde, Fil-Am Adams Fiel, Delfin Boholzt, Willy Lopez and Junel Cantancio.

"Despite this unfortunate event, ABAP remains confident that the country will be able to send more boxers to Beijing after the Kazakhstan qualifying. We continue to hold high hopes that our team will carry the flag proudly in Kazakhstan," said Lopez.

The country has great chances of sending a flyweight and a bantamweight to the Olympics since the two weight classes will have three qualifiers.