Thirty-one-year-old Filipino-British boxer John Marvin is motivated to add another accomplishment to his record following his seven-year victory at the Southeast Asian Games gold medal. He is racing against the clock. He now aims to get a spot in the Paris Games, which could be his last Olympic endeavor.
During the World Qualification Tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy, Marvin quickly and brutally stopped the unfortunate Iranian Pouria Amiri in the second round, demonstrating his urgency. With this win in the men’s 92-kilogram division, the silver medallist from the Asian Championship moved three steps closer to his Olympic ambition and increased his chances of qualifying for Paris.
The performance of fellow countryman Rogen Ladon, who decisively knocked out Moroccan opponent Said Mortaji in the second round, was as impressive. The 30-year-old previous bronze medallist at the World Championship was able to advance to the men’s 51kg round of 16 thanks to this thrilling victory.
Not all of the results, though, were good for the Filipino delegation; in the women’s 75kg class, Hergie Bacyadan suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 split decision loss to Brazilian Viviane Pereira, ending her Olympic career.
