By: Mark Giongco, Inquirer Sports
BANGKOK, Thailand – Ian Clark Bautista wasted no time stamping his authority in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games boxing tournament, cruising to a unanimous decision victory over Cambodia’s Sophea Seng in the men’s 57kg round of 16 on Wednesday, igniting the Philippine contingent’s quest for a podium sweep in a sport where the Azkals of the ring have long ruled the roost.
The 22-year-old Bautista, a bronze medalist from the 2023 Cambodia Games, dismantled his outclassed opponent with a masterclass of precision jabs and punishing body shots, earning a 5-0 nod from the judges in a bout that showcased why he’s the Philippines’ brightest hope for gold. “I felt strong and focused from the start,” Bautista said post-fight, his gloves still laced with the sweat of supremacy. “This is just the beginning – we’re here to bring home as many golds as we can for the country.”
Bautista’s romp was the opener in a stacked schedule for the 10-man, five-woman Philippine squad, coached by the legendary Roel Velasco, who medaled at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and now helms a team blending seasoned campaigners with hungry newcomers. The Filipinos, who snared eight medals (four golds) in Cambodia two years ago, enter Bangkok with eyes on recapturing the crown they last fully claimed in Manila 2019.
Hot on Bautista’s heels, world youth silver medalist Leo Rabea Jr. faces Thailand’s Thanongsak Singmanasak in the 48kg class later Wednesday, while Irish Magramo takes on Indonesia’s Muh. Rido in 52kg. The women’s brigade kicks off with Thursday’s bouts: Jessa Khan in 48kg vs. Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Thu Nhi and Hergie Bacaro in 50kg against Thailand’s Siriporn Sitanun.
Velasco, whose tactical acumen has molded champions, brimmed with optimism: “Our boxers are prepared and hungry. We’ve trained for this moment – technical, tactical, and tough. Gold is the goal, but every fight is a step toward legacy.” The SEA Games boxing, contested under AIBA rules with 13 weight classes each for men and women, runs through December 18 at the Bangkok Youth Center, where the Philippines has historically dominated, amassing 100+ medals since 1977.
Bautista’s statement win sets a fiery tone: In a field stacked with regional rivals like Vietnam’s Olympic hopefuls and Thailand’s home-crowd favorites, the Filipinos aren’t just competing – they’re conquering, one crisp combination at a time. With semis looming by Sunday, the Azkals of the squared circle are poised to punch above their weight once more, etching Bangkok in Philippine boxing lore.
As the opening ceremony’s echoes fade, Bautista’s message rings clear: The gold rush has begun.
Match Results Snapshot (December 10):
| Category (Weight) | Athlete vs Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s 57kg | Ian Clark Bautista vs Sophea Seng (CAMB) | Bautista UD 5-0 |
Upcoming Bouts:
- Men’s 48kg: Leo Rabea Jr. vs Thanongsak Singmanasak (THA) – Dec 10
- Men’s 52kg: Irish Magramo vs Muh. Rido (INA) – Dec 10
- Women’s 48kg: Jessa Khan vs Nguyen Thi Thu Nhi (VIE) – Dec 11
- Women’s 50kg: Hergie Bacaro vs Siriporn Sitanun (THA) – Dec 11