Achairal launches Philippine Pug’s Asian U22 boxing campaign with victory

January 19, 2023 | 3:02 PM

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Jericho Akailar accelerated the Philippines’ medal race by defeating Tajikistan’s Husrafkon Rakhimov 4-1 on Wednesday night at the ASBC Asia U22 Boxing Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

Akailar, who performed well at the Asian Junior Championships in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates four years ago, made a lackluster second-round effort to dispose of the taller and larger Rakhimov, who is also a veteran internationalist. I needed a strong start and a strong finish to make up for the effort. .

When it was over, Acaylar got the nod of four of the five judges, all scoring 29-28, and the remaining one going 29-28 to Rakhimov to win the featherweight bout. claimed.

“He (Achailal) was strong in the first round and struggled to deal with Tajik’s assertiveness in the second round,” said Marcus Manalo, executive director and general secretary of the Philippine Boxing Federation.

“The good news is he regained control and landed a clear, powerful punch in the third round to seal the win.”

“He is a great young talent and we expect him to win a medal at this tournament,” he added.

Acaylar’s victory made up for compatriot Mervin Lucky Alcober’s 4-1 defeat to Asian Youth bronze medalist Enkhtur Tegshjargal of Mongolia in the lightweight match.

Country women’s bets, minimumweight Altair Shine Poise and light flight Mariel Tarandrata, were battling Thailand’s Tipsacha Yodwari and Kazakhstan’s Mordir Toikova respectively in hopes of advancing to the next round.

Mark Lester Durens, who won the bronze medal at the ASBC Asia Elite Championships in Dubai two years ago, was joined by Aaron Jude Bud (Men’s 51kg), Flint Jara (Men’s 54kg) and Mark Ashley Fajardo (Men’s 63.5kg). will participate with kg) A total of 149 pugs (95 males and 54 females) participated in the event across the region.