SUBIC — Barcelona Olympics Bronze medalist Roel Velasco, elder brother of Atlanta Olympics silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco, was appointed by Ed Picson, executive director of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, as head trainer of a “super elite” group of national boxers that will be the beneficiary of extensive exposure and training here and abroad.

As identified by the national coaches on the direction of ABAP secretary-general Patrick Gregorio during the PLDT-ABAP Luzon Area Boxing Tournament here, the five-man group is comprised of Charly Suarez (57kg. featherweight), Annie Albania (51kg. flyweight), Rey Saludar (51kg. flyweight), Victorio Saludar (48 kg. light flyweight), and Mark Anthony Barriga (youth 48 kg. light flyweight).

“The group is considered by ABAP as the cream of the crop and are expected to banner the RP campaign in international competitions,” said Gregorio, adding the select quintet will undergo specialized training under Velasco in boxing camps abroad, including Australia and the United States.

Meanwhile, action continued to be fast and furious on the way to the semifinals of the Clusivol-backed tournament at the Subic gym, with bets from Tayabas and Romblon snaring key wins and an upset marking the junior boys 50 kilogram division.

In the 32 kg. school boys class, Tayabas A’s Julius Peña ran rings around Tayabas B stablemate Joel Peña, a first cousin, 3-0, while Tayabas C's Arche Esteleydes crushed Tayabas D’s Rommel Opemaria, 10-0.

Romblon B’s Reymark De Capiz took the measure of Romblon A’s Richard Baile, 23-7, in the 51 kg. youth boys, while Romblon A's Joebel Panagsagan sent Zambales A’s Michael Ancot packing barely 37 seconds into their 49 kg. elite division fight.

Other bouts saw Tarlac’s Kenneth Timpug stopping Laguna’s Jade Bayron Sabaldica with 55 seconds remaining in the second round (RSC) of their 50 kg. encounter, Tayabas A’s Neco Magliquian retiring Laguna’s Norman dela Cruz after the second round of their 51 kg. youth boys showdown.

Bicol’s Michael Dasmari wearing down Tayabas B’s Angelo Ilagan, 14-10, after trailing in the scorecard, 6-4, (51 kg.), and Melvin Meneses of Laguna B halting first-timer Francisco Alvarado of Zambales (RSC) with 1:13 left in the first round (51 kg.).