13-strong boxers to lead PH Boxing Team in 2025 SEA Games
Undefeated professional boxers Eumir Marcial and Weljon Mindoro, together with Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, will spearhead the Philippines’ 13-man boxing delegation for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next month.
The lineup was formally announced by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) during a press conference in Pasig City on Wednesday.
ABAP Secretary General Marcus Manalo shared, “We have a total of 13 boxers—seven men and six women—which is the maximum number we can field for the SEA Games, so we are sending a full lineup.”
Marcial and Mindoro: Powering the Men's Team
Four-time SEA Games champion Eumir Marcial returns to his Olympic weight class at 80kg, while pro standout Weljon Mindoro will compete in the 75kg division. Marcial brings in a spotless 7-0 pro record, while Mindoro holds a 15-0-1 slate.
Marcial acknowledged the expectations on him: “Kapag bayan ang nangangailangan ng laban, lalo na sa SEA Games, priority ko talaga yan… Medyo pressure kasi fans expect gold, but amateur boxing requires a different preparation.”
Mindoro, making his SEA Games debut, expressed gratitude: “Nagpapasalamat ako sa opportunity… Isa akong napili. Mag-aadjust ako sa amateur techniques para dito.”
POC President Abraham Tolentino is confident both pros can deliver podium finishes: “Definitely, God willing, it will be a podium for the two. Pipilitin natin na ginto yan.”
Notable Absence: Carlo Paalam
Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam will not compete after withdrawing from a box-off due to illness and insufficient preparation. Manalo explained: “He caught a bad flu and couldn’t train for weeks… He respected the selection process and timeline, and begged off.”
Women’s Division Led by Olympians
Petecio (60kg) and Villegas (50kg) team up with Olympian Hergie Bacyadan (70kg). Completing the roster are Ofelia Magno (48kg), Claudine Veloso (54kg), and Riza Pasuit (57kg).
Limited Weight Classes Due to Host Restrictions
The Philippines can only participate in 13 of 17 weight classes due to host restrictions. “We’re limited to seven of nine weight classes in men’s boxing and six of eight in women’s,” Manalo noted.
He added that the inclusion of pro fighters reflects ABAP’s evolving approach: “It’s a good opportunity to show that pro boxers can also be part of the national team… Our objective is always to send the best lineup possible.”
Poised for a Strong Showing
Most of the team is already in Thailand for training camp and will stay there until the Games. The Philippines aims to surpass its 2023 SEA Games medal tally of 4 golds, 5 silvers, and 1 bronze.
