Wearing the Asian Games gold medal boxer Joan Tipon Monday boldly declared his intention to bring home the Philippines' first-ever gold in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The 24-year-old Tipon arrived to a hero's welcome prepared by the Talisay City Government early Monday morning. A short program honoring his achievement was held at the Talisay Public Plaza, after a motorcade was held around the city.

"I am happy to be home, especially because I have with me the best Christmas gift I could give to my fellow Negrenses: The Asian Games gold medal," Tipon, who arrived with his family and boxer Juanito Magloquian, told the DAILY STAR.

Tipon said he is now setting his sights on giving the country an Olympic gold medal.

"I hope to enjoy my vacation for now. But we will start training in February for the 2007 Southeast Asian Games and the Olympics," the multi-titled boxer said in a press conference.

Tipon hails from Sibucao, Barangay Banago but trained in Talisay City under the city's ATLETA program from 1999 to 2001 when he studied at the Rafael B. Lacson Memorial High School.

Talisay Mayor Eric Saratan said he is happy that "Tipon continues to give honor to Talisay although he was born in Bacolod".

Saratan said the Talisay government is committed to support Tipon in his quest for an Olympic gold medal.

MORE INCENTIVES

Immediately after his arrival at the Bacolod airport, Tipon received more welcome news when Mayor Evelio Leonardia announced that he will give the boxing hero a P100,000 incentive.

A press release from the Bacolod City Hall said a motorcade honoring the boxer has been scheduled at 3 p.m. on Friday, before a program at the City Hall Grounds.

"Tipon's exemplary feat in sports will serve as an inspiration to other aspiring athletes, especially the out-of-school youth in the city," Leonardia said in a statement.

QATAR-BASED PINOYS

Tipon said he was touched by the gesture of Overseas Filipino Workers who supported the Filipino athletes during the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

"They helped us in many ways. They filled the arena and kept us going," Tipon said.

The boxer said he was particularly overwhelmed by a gesture of OFWs when word got out that the Philippine Boxing Team lacked uniforms for their matches.

"They gave us shorts and tennis shoes. But the competition was about to end so they told me to just bring the stuff home," he added.

Tipon started boxing at nine years old under the Negros Amateur Boxing Association of former Bacolod Councilor Juan Ramon "Monju" Guanzon.

When NABA ran out of funds, Tipon was brought to Talisay by boxing coach Guillermo Retiban, a former national standout. He stayed and trained at the ATLETA Gym for two years. He translated his hard work to gold medals in the provincial and regional Palaro in 2001, before joining the national boxing pool.

In his first Southeast Asian Games appearance in 2003, Tipon settled for a silver medal, losing to Thailand's Woorapoj Petchkoom in the finals. Petchkoom was the same fighter Tipon beat in the semifinals of the Asian Games.

It was in 2005 when Tipon started to peak. He won the gold in the Asian Boxing Championships and was declared outstanding boxer of the prestigious tournament in Vietnam. Tipon capped a banner year by winning a SEA Games gold medal in Bacolod City.

Months before his Asian Games success, Tipon conquered the tough Tammer Cup in Tampere, Finland.

Tipon became the latest toast of Philippine sports early this month when he defeated Soon Chul Han of South Korea for the bantamweight gold medal in the Asiad, less than 48 hours after winning a thrilling showdown with Petchkoom.

Tipon said he measured up his opponents in the Asian Games and his familiarity with their fighting style came in handy. "I had fought them and beat some of them before so I knew I had an advantage," he said.

As for his fight with Petchkoom, Tipon said he just kept his composure despite the Thai's shrewd tactics.

"I kept my focus. I know Thais fight that way," he added. Godfrey Castro of Cadiz City also saw action in the Asian Games, coming home with a bronze medal after losing to Thai Suban Pannon in the semifinals. *CPT

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