PHILSTAR: 13 Filipino boxers vie for Olympic berth

-By The Philippine Star
MANILA (Xinhua) – Thirteen Filipino boxers are eyeing for Olympic slots and will be joining Asian men's and women's qualifiers roll off that will start in April, local media reported.

The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (Abap) expects at least two more Filipinos to advance from the men's qualifier from April 4 to 13 in Astana, Kazahkstan, and the women' s qualifier from May 9 to 20 in Quinhuangdao, China.

"If more of our boxers will qualify, we will give them the best training," ABAP Executive Director Ed Picson said.

Rey Saludar (flyweight) leads the men's campaign along with Charly Suarez (lightweight), Joejin Ladon and Junel Cantancio ( bantamweight), Orlando Tacu-yan and Dennis Galvan (light welterweight), and Nathaniel Montealto and Wilfredo Lopez ( welterweight).

Kate Aparri, Josie Gabuco and Nesthy Petecio (light flyweight) lead the women's side together with Janice Banares and Rica Aquino (light weight).

So far, only light flyweight Mark Anthony Barriga, who competed in the men's boxing championships in Azerbaijan, has qualified for the 2012 London Games.