Weljon Mindoro open in joining PH team for SEA Games on December
Unbeaten Filipino middleweight contender Weljon Mindoro is keeping the door open to representing the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games — a move he and his team consider a great honor.
Mindoro, alongside handlers Gerry Balmes and Orly Barcelango, are awaiting official communication from the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) or the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to formalize his inclusion.
During Monday’s presentation of the 3rd Asian Youth Games medalists, POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino mentioned Mindoro’s possible addition to the national boxing lineup.
“Wala naman kaming ihi-hindi. Sa tingin ko mas maganda kung maging pormal na lang yung pagmi-meeting diyan,” said Barcelango during the PSA Forum. “Hindi namin ipagdadamot si Weljon dahil isang karangalan yun makapagsilbi para sa bayan.”
A native of Zamboanga del Sur, Mindoro previously competed in Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa, but never made it to the national team. Competing in the SEA Games, he said, would be a dream come true.
“Excited ako diyan na makalaban sa SEA Games. Kung manalo ako sa SEA Games, mas maganda kung makalaban ako sa Olympics,” he added.
Mindoro and his team are set to train in Japan for stronger sparring partners. Trainer Joven Jimenez and former champion Jerwin Ancajas have also expressed support for his SEA Games prospects.
Mindoro recently served as a sparring partner for Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial in the Thrilla in Manila 50th Anniversary event. His team hopes he’ll soon officially join the national squad, eager to chase gold and represent the country on a bigger stage.
