Philippine boxing federation to hold two-week training camp in Central Asia ahead of 2025 SEA Games

The Philippines is ramping up its boxing preparations for the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, set to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 9 to 20, 2025, with a high-level training camp planned in Central Asia.

Boxing has long been a medal-rich sport for the country in international competitions, and the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) is taking no chances. According to ABAP Secretary General Marcus Manalo, the national boxing team is currently finalizing a two-week training camp in either Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan ahead of the biennial meet.

“We received an invitation from Thailand, but it doesn’t fit our timeline,” Manalo explained during a recent media interview. “We are looking at Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan. They gave us possible dates which are okay with us, but we still have to finalize.”

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The initial plan was to hold the camp in Thailand, but logistical and scheduling conflicts forced the federation to explore alternatives. Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, are known for their elite boxing programs and world-class sparring opportunities—something Team Philippines hopes to benefit from heading into the SEA Games.

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In celebration of the 50-year anniversary of the ‘Thrilla in Manila’, #IBAPro11 will take place on October 29 at the Araneta Coliseum in association with @MannyPacquiao Promotions 🏆#Boxing | @IBA_Boxing pic.twitter.com/y75QYq4hAo

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In addition to its traditional boxing squad, ABAP also confirmed the inclusion of kickboxers Claudine Veloso and Hergie Bacyadan in the SEA Games roster. Veloso competed in the 2024 World Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament in Italy in the women’s 54kg division, while Bacyadan represented the Philippines at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she bowed out against eventual gold medalist Li Quan of China in the women’s 75kg category.

“They are in the roster for the SEA Games,” Manalo confirmed. “Claudine is already training with us, while Hergie told us she would join since her kickboxing weight division isn’t included [in the SEA Games].”

The Philippine boxing team is aiming to improve on its performance from the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, where it secured four gold medals. Leading the charge for Team Philippines in Bangkok are Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and rising star Aira Villegas.

With stronger preparation and high-level competition ahead of the Games, the Philippine contingent is determined to punch above its weight and deliver another memorable campaign.

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