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PSC head bats for ‘radical’ change in Philippine sports
Written by Staff   
Saturday, 16 August 2008 12:48

FOR Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, there’s no excuses to Filipino boxer Harry Tañamor’s setback in the Beijing Olympics.

No ifs and no buts.

“He [Tañamor] lost to a better and much prepared fighter,” said Ramirez during yesterday’s teleconference at the PSC Olympic media center. “I don’t know what’s on the minds of the coaching staff, but the African champion was simply too much for Tañamor. His preparation was well-planned and his strategy really hurt our fighter.”

But Ramirez batted for a “radical” change in the grassroots sports program, a move designed not only for boxing, but for all sports associations, to improve their recruitment program.

Ramirez refused to elaborate what kind of “radical” change he is planning for the country’s sports program, saying the “athletes must be kept in high spirits.”

“Let our boxing officials take a rest and we will talk it over when we return home,” said Ramirez.

The entire nation waited for Tañamor, anticipating another impressive performance from the highly regarded fighter, but was simply outclassed by Ghana’s Manyo Plange in their flyweight preliminary bout and lost, 3-6.

The setback was a huge one for the Filipinos as boxing is touted as one of our best bets to get a medal in the biggest sports show on earth.

This leaves our country’s hopes on taekwondo jins Mary Antoinette Rivero and Tshomlee Go, who start their bid on Aug. 15 and 20, respectively.

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines president Manny Lopez was not available for comment, but Ramirez admitted that the results might spark another clamor for the boxing chief’s resignation. Edwin Rollon
 
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