ABAP president Marcus Manalo eyes boxing resurgence for Philippines in 2026

The Philippines has long been recognized as a boxing powerhouse in Southeast Asia, producing a storied list of world champions that includes the legendary Manny Pacquiao, the only boxer in history to claim titles in eight weight divisions. Filipino fighters have long been celebrated for their speed, heart, and technical skill, earning the country a reputation as a global boxing hub.

However, recent years have seen a dip in the country’s regional dominance. The decline was evident at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, where the Philippine boxing contingent managed to claim only a single gold medal. The performance, while respectable, fell short of the high expectations set by past generations of Filipino pugilists, signaling the need for renewed focus and investment in the sport.

Despite the disappointing showing, optimism is rising with the election of Marcus Manolo as the new president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines. Manalo is confident that 2026 will mark a resurgence for Philippine boxing, particularly with a packed international calendar featuring the Asian Games and multiple World Boxing Cups.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

“I feel like 2025 could have been better for us but it’s another year and we have big plans for this one. Our calendar is loaded, there’s the Asian Games and such. We have World Boxing Cups, we have loaded talents in boxing right now. We are really looking forward to this year. I hope we can get to the podium a lot more compared to 2025,” Manalo said in a media interaction.

WATCH | Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines’ newly elected President Marlon Manalo met with members of the press during the #PSAAwards on Monday at Diamond Hotel Manila.https://t.co/fSZmqrUMKo

— Sports Radio 918 AM (@SportsRadio918) February 18, 2026

At the 2025 SEA Games, Eumir Marcial was the lone gold medalist for the Philippines, demonstrating that world-class talent still exists within the national program. Other standout performances included Aira Villegas, Jay Bryan Baricuatro, and Flint Jara, who all secured silver medals. The bronze medalists—Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Bacyadan, Weljon Mindoro, Riza Pasuit, Ofelia Magno, and Mark Ashley Fajardo—showcased the depth of talent that can be nurtured for future international competitions.

Looking ahead, Manalo has outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize boxing in the Philippines. Among the key initiatives are the reintroduction of regional and national championships, providing athletes with more competitive opportunities to hone their skills and gain exposure. In addition, ABAP aims to establish more training centers across the provinces, expanding access to elite coaching, modern facilities, and structured development programs. This strategy is expected to uncover new talents from previously underserved areas and ensure that the pipeline for international-level boxers remains robust.

“The development of boxing in the provinces is crucial. We want young athletes to have access to proper coaching and facilities so that they don’t have to move to Manila just to train at a high level,” Manalo explained. “By creating more regional training hubs, we can identify promising boxers early and prepare them for international competition, which will ultimately strengthen the national team.”

With these initiatives, the Philippines is looking to reclaim its status as a dominant force in Southeast Asian boxing and make a significant impact on the global stage. The combination of a talented pool of fighters, a strategic plan from ABAP, and a packed international calendar positions 2026 as a pivotal year for the sport in the country.

As the boxing community sets its sights on the Asian Games, World Boxing Cups, and other key tournaments, expectations are high for a new generation of Filipino boxers to step up and bring glory to the nation, continuing the legacy of champions like Manny Pacquiao while forging their own paths on the world stage.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.