ABAP has high hopes for Cebuano boxer Jay Baricuatro in SEA Games debut

The Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) is placing high expectations on Cebuano rising star Jay Bryan Baricuatro as he gears up for his first appearance in the upcoming 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this December in Bangkok, Thailand.

Baricuatro, who will compete in the men’s 48-kilogram division, arrives in the SEA Games fresh from a standout performance at the 2025 World Boxing Cup in Astana, where he secured a silver medal, the only podium finish among the Philippine boxing contingent.

ABAP secretary general Marcus Manalo hopes that Baricuatro can replicate his World Boxing Cup success this December.

“I’m confident with the entire team but maybe the younger ones are more excited because they’re really looking forward to this opportunity,” Manalo said. “He has a lot of potential.”

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🥊 BOXING | Jay Bryan Baricuatro 🇵🇭 defeats Thuamcharoem Natthaphong 🇹🇭 in the Men’s Minimumweight (48kg) at the 2024 ASBC Asian U22 & Youth Boxing Championships. pic.twitter.com/P4KiYUxN70

— SEA Sports News (@sea_sports_news) April 28, 2024

His recent silver at the World Boxing Cup came after a run of impressive victories defeating boxers from Italy, India, and Australia en route to the final, before falling to Kazakhstan’s Sanzhar Tashkenbay in the gold-medal bout.

With that momentum and ABAP’s support, Baricuatro becomes one of the key bets for boxing success in the SEA Games.

The Cebu native will compete in the men’s 48 kg division as one of the favorites alongside Olympic medalists Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas.

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