ABAP to inquire into judging disparity in SEA Games

The Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines (ABAP) said it will formally request an inquiry from World Boxing into what it describes as “irregularities” in the boxing competition at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

ABAP Secretary General Marcus Manalo confirmed the federation will write to the sport’s international governing body to review the conduct and judging of the boxing events, particularly decisions that went against Filipino athletes.

Manalo pointed out that Thailand earned 14 of the 17 gold medals on offer in boxing, a result he said raised questions over fairness and consistency in officiating.

“We’ll write to World Boxing … to at least have an inquiry,” Manalo said.

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Pinoy boxing star Eumir Marcial celebrates his gold medal in the men’s 80kg division at the #SEAGames 2025 Thailand, calling his fifth straight SEA Games title across three weight classes a surreal journey he dedicates to the country.#TibayAtTatag pic.twitter.com/96pHe9EhMw

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 21, 2025

One specific bout highlighted by ABAP involved Filipino boxer Jay Bryan Baricuatro, who lost a split 3-2 decision to Thailand’s Thitiwat Phlongaurai in the finals. 

Manalo argued the scoring in the decisive third round was questionable and could have influenced the outcome.

Philippine boxers finished the SEA Games boxing campaign with one gold, three silvers, and six bronzes, with Olympian Eumir Marcial securing the lone gold medal in the men’s 80kg division.

ABAP officials also raised concerns about officiating in other close decisions, including split calls in women’s bouts, and stressed the importance of maintaining integrity in judging at regional competitions.

The association said it will also assess areas for improvement for Filipino boxers as part of preparations for future international competitions. 

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