Bacoleño boxer Joan Tipon, one of only four Filipino gold medallists in the Asian Games, is upbeat over his chances in the twelve international tournaments lined up for the RP Team starting next month.

The lanky Tipon, who was born in Sitio Sibucao, Barangay Banago, yesterday said he believes the stint in the Asiad gave him a lot of experience that will be a crucial factor in his campaign internationally.

"I have gained a lot of experience with the victory in the Asian Games and I'm more confident right now each time I step into the ring," Tipon told the DAILY STAR in a telephone interview.

The 24-year-old Tipon, who is considered as the country's best hope to bring home its first-ever gold in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, will begin his year by vying for top honors in New Delhi, India next month as part of the Filipino pugs' buildup for the Olympiad.

Tipon, a gold medal winner in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games, said that he has began training on Jan. 15 with sparring and jogging exercises after spending the holidays in Bacolod City.

The RP boxers, mentored by Pat Gaspi, are also set battle for the gold in Germany in March, before competing in the King's Cup of Thailand, Cuba and National Open in April.

In May, the national team will fight in Turkey, before competing in France and Kazakhstan in June and the Seoul Cup and Romania in August. The Filipino bets will join a tournament in Mongolia in September.

The RP pugs will see action in the World Cup qualifying in Morocco in November, a month before seeing action in the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Tipon, however, said that some of the Filipino boxers, including himself and fellow gold medalist Violito Payla, might not be fielded for the SEA Games because they will still be most likely cheated by the Thais.

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.*CIT

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