MANILA, Philippines - Charly Suarez, one of the boxers missing in action following the Christmas break, has rejoined the Philippine boxing team and promised to catch up with the squad’s training in its buildup for various international competitions, including the Olympic qualifier. Suarez, 23, explained pressing personal matters forced him to stay much longer in Davao and miss the Jan. 3 return-to-training directive by the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines.
“May inasikaso lang akong personal na bagay sa amin (I had to take care of personal things back home),” said Suarez yesterday before their practice. He, however, refused to elaborate.
As he promised ABAP executive director Ed Picson, Suarez belatedly returned to Manila last Jan. 15 and immediately had a workout at the ABAP-Philippine Sports Commission gym.
Coach Roel Velasco observed that Suarez still has some catching up to do in so far as getting back to top condition.
“As what you can expect after a vacation, he is a bit sluggish but the basic skills are there and we’re confident he can catch up with the team’s training,” Velasco told The STAR yesterday.
Suarez admitted having his work cut out.
“There’s some catching up to do but not too much since I was doing some running and playing basketball to keep in shape while I was away)” said Suarez, who currently weighs 61 kgs, just one kilo over his intended fighting weight this year (lightweight).
Suarez promised to make up for his two-week absence, which could likely lead to disciplinary action from the ABAP. “I’ll train hard because it’s my goal to make it to the Olympics)” he said.
Olmin Leyba, Philippine Star
