In a highly anticipated match at the second World Olympic Qualifiers in Bangkok, Filipino boxer Rogen Ladon is gearing up to face Spanish boxer Rafael Serrano Lozano, Jr. Despite an age gap of 11 years, Ladon, a 30-year-old veteran, is expected to bring his wealth of experience to the ring. On the other hand, Lozano, who is only 19 years old, will be relying on his youthful energy to aid him in the bout.
Ladon, a two-time SEA Games gold medalist, is aiming for a second shot at the Olympics after his debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Meanwhile, Lozano comes from a boxing lineage, with his father Rafael Sr. winning bronze in the 1996 Olympics and silver in the 2000 edition. With a record of 12-10, Lozano has shown promise in his previous fights, including a win over Thailand’s Thitiwat Phlongarari. Ladon, with a record of 45-23, will be looking to secure his ticket to Paris in what could be his final Olympic bid.
According to ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo, Ladon will need to win four bouts to qualify for the Olympics. The Filipino boxing team is optimistic about their chances, with Manalo expressing confidence in Ladon and his teammates. The road to qualification will be challenging for some, like Pitt Laurente who faces a tough opponent from Kazakhstan in his first bout. Hergie Bacyadan also has a tough road ahead, needing to win three fights to secure a qualification spot.
Carlo Paalam, another hopeful from the Filipino team, competed against Greece’s Alexei Lagkazasvili at 57kg. Tomorrow Laurente will face off against Uulu from Kazakhstan, while Bacyadan will go up against Spain’s Dunia Mas Martinez on Monday in their quest for Olympic qualification.
