Asian Games gold medalist Joan Tipon is expected to be among the Filipino boxers who will see action in twelve international tournaments this year as part of their buildup for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The 24-year-old Tipon, who hails from Sibucao in Barangay Banago, Bacolod City, aims to continue his success after winning the bantamweight gold in the Asiad for a slot in the Olympiad. Cadiz City-born Godfrey Castro, bronze medalist in the Asian Games, also eyes impressive international performances as he is battling a slot in the light flyweight division of the national squad with veteran internationalist Harry Tañamor.

Manny Lopez, president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, said that taking part in 12 international events is part of ABAP's program for the year including hiring a Cuban coach.

Lopez said that the RP pugs will compete in the World Cup qualifying in Morocco in November, a month before seeing action in the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. The national boxers will then vie for top honors in New Delhi, India in February, before aiming for the gold medals in Germany in March and in the King's Cup, Cuba and National Open in April, he added.

May will bring the national team to Turkey, before competing in France and Kazakhstan in June, he said, adding that the RP pugs will see action in the Seoul Cup and Romania in August. The last stop for the Filipino boxers will a tournament in Mongolia in September, Lopez said. *CIT

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