Minimumweight Ronel Suyom of Bukidnon settled for silver in the World Youth Championships in La Nucia, Spain.
Suyom, 17, dropped a 4-1 split decision to Surehc Vishvanath of India for the gold medal.
Still, it was an impressive run by Suyom, who was fighting for the gist time outside the Philippines.
On his way to the finals, Suyom beat hometown entry Rafael Lozano Serrano, the European Youth champion, 5-0.
Suyom even scored a knockdown in the first round against Lozano.
Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines training director Don Abnett said Suyom will undergo a topnotch strength and conditioning program when he gets back in the country.
“Ronel looked a bit overwhelmed and could have stuck to the fight plan more. This is his first trip out of the Philippines after all, but he is young, talented and willing to learn. We will put him on a stringent strength and conditioning plan to toughen him up even more,” Abnett said.
ABAP chairperson Ricky Vargas was ecstatic over Suyom’s performance.
“The future looks bright for Philippine boxing. Let’s stay focused and give our boxers the opportunities they need,” Vargas said.
ABAP president Ed Picson gave credit to the triumvirate of the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and “our private benefactor” the MVP Sports Foundation for the feat.
There were 500 entries from 73 countries in the slugfest.
Aside from Abnett, two other coaches — Elias Recaido and Elmer Pamisa — joined the Philippine team to Spain.
