VELASCO LOSES TO CUBA, SETTLES FOR SILVER

Budapest, Hungary, Oct. 27, 1997 - Roel Velasco gave it all he's got, but Cuban Maikro Romero overpowered him to win the light flyweight title, 9-1, and deny the Philippines its first even medal in the World Amateur Boxing Championships Saturday. Velasco settled for the silver medal.

Despite the loss, Velasco became the first Filipino to win a medal in the tough tournament, participated in by 350 boxers from 67 countries.

It was a sweet victory for Romero, who was ousted by Velasco in the semifinals of the 1993 Chemistry Cup in Halle, Germany, the first time that a Cuban suffered a loss from a Filipino.

Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines president Manny Lopez vowed that the association will not stop until it achieves its goal: a first Olympic or World Championships gold medal.

"Roel's achievement in this tournament is a very good feat -- he gave the Philippines its first medal in this very competitive tournament," Lopez said.

The Philippine team emerged sixth overall with Velasco's silver medal.