VELASCO FIGHTS FOR GOLD TODAY

Manila, Oct. 26, 1997 - Filipino boxing enthusiasts are optimistic that light flyweight Roel Velasco will bring home the gold after his bout today with Atlanta Olympics gold medallist Maikro Romero in the 9th World Amateur Boxing Championships in Budapest.

Manny Lopez, head of the Philippine delegation and president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, expects a tough fight in the finals. "Nevertheless, we know Roel will give his all and give he Philippines her first-ever gold medal in this tournament which is second only to the Olympics in prestige."

Velasco had already beaten Romero in the 1993 Chemistry Cup in Halle, Germany, but acknowledged that the Cuban is much quicker and more seasoned now.