SEAG: Rey Saludar loses boxing semifinals

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Asian Games flyweight gold medallist Rey Saludar lost his semifinal match in boxing but the Philippines sent five boxers to the finals in the 27th Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar on Friday, December 13. 

dzSR, the government sports station, said Saludar fell to Mg Nge of Myanmar, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28, in a decision their ringside reporter decried as one-sided. Saludar could not dispose of his slippery foe who would uncork timely counters but the final decision surprised the crowd, dzSR reported.

Olympian light flyweight Mark Anthony Barriga defeated Faud Mohd Reuvan of Indonesia in another split decision to lead four others into the gold medal round. Two other wins came through split decisions while the other two came from unanimous decision.

Bantamweight Mark Fernandez became the second Filipino to enter the finals by beating Tran Quocc Viet of Vietnam by a uninamous decision.

Lighhtweight Junel Cantancio defeated Muhamad Ridhwan Ahmad of Singapore by a unanimous decision. Light welter Dennis Galvan gained a split decision over Ericok Amonopunyo of Indonesia and middleweight Wilfredo Lopez carved out another split against Alex Tatantos of Indonesia.

The other finalists are women’s world champion Josie Gabuco and Nesthy Petecio.

Philippine Olympic Committee secretary general Joey Romasanta said Filipino athletes are doing their best. “Hopefully, their efforts will be rewarded,” Romasanta told the government radio station. –Rappler.com