Philippine Boxers Ladon and Laurente Face Early Exit in Paris Olympics Qualifiers
Rogen Ladon and Criztian Pitt Laurente faced disappointment in their bids to qualify for the Paris Olympics as they both dropped their opening bouts in Bangkok, Thailand.
Rogen Ladon’s Defeat
Rogen Ladon, a former Olympian, suffered a 4-1 split decision loss to Spain’s Rafael Lozano Serrano in the men’s 51kg category. Ladon expressed his regret, stating, “I’m sorry, that was all I could manage.”
The decision to stay in a lighter weight class alongside teammate Carlo Paalam affected Ladon’s performance, according to Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines secretary general Marcus Jarwin Manalo.
Criztian Pitt Laurente’s Loss
Criztian Pitt Laurente faced a unanimous decision defeat against Kazakhstan’s Mukhammedsabyr Bazarbay Uulu in the men’s 63.5kg category. The General Santos City native, unbeaten in 12 professional fights, fell to the highly favored Kazakh.
With Ladon and Laurente out of the competition, only Paalam and Hergie Bacyadan remain in contention in Bangkok, aiming to qualify for the Paris Olympics alongside Filipino boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas.
Upcoming Matches
- Hergie Bacyadan will compete in the women’s 75kg category against Spain’s Dunia Martinez in the round of 32.
- Carlo Paalam, who secured a unanimous decision win in his first match, will face Turkmenistan’s Shukur Ovezov in the round of 32.
