Four world championship medalists will comprise the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines’ (ABAP) women’s team for the Laos Southeast Asian Games in December.

The four – pinweight Josie Gabuco, light flyweight Alice Kate Aparri, flyweight Annie Albania and featherweight Mitchel Martinez – were named during Monday’s meeting among ABAP officials and coaches in Baguio City, where the team is currently training.

ABAP executive director Ed Picson said the selection was based on their current performance during training, as well as their previous achievements.

“We want to send our top contenders to the SEAG to maximize our participation and medal chances,” Picson said. “This team is going to be a tough nut to crack.”

There will be six events in this year’s SEAG women’s boxing but the organizing committee set a maximum of only four entries per nation.

Martinez banners the squad in terms of achievements, boasting of bronze medals in the 2005 Russia and 2005 India World Championships, a gold medal in the 2005 Manila SEAG and a silver in the 2007 Thailand SEAG.

Albania won silver in the 2008 China World Championships apart from gold medals in the 2005 Manila and 2007 Thailand SEAG. Gabuco is also a bronze medalist in the 2008 China World Championships.

Aparri bagged a bronze in the 2006 India World Championships, while adding gold and silver medals, respectively, in the 2005 Manila and 2007 Thailand SEAG.

Picson said although the team boasts of experience and talent, foreign exposures are still needed to measure their competitiveness.

The squad has never competed in any international tournaments this year and is only looking forward to the Asian Indoor Games on October 30 to November 8 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“We don’t foresee that we’ll be having a hard time winning in the SEAG, but we wanted what’s best for their training. We couldn’t settle for anything less if we want to win the gold medal,” Picson said.

“Kaya sana matuloy din sila sa Asian Indoor Games, which will serve as a stepping board for the SEAG.”

The women’s team won one gold and five silver medals in the previous SEA Games held in Thailand.